In The Post – JackJumpers provide Magnay update

Catch up on all the latest headlines from around the basketball world in today’s edition of In the Post.

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JackJumpers hopeful on Magnay return 

The Tasmania JackJumpers are hopeful star big man Will Magnay will return this season as he continues to battle knee soreness.

“He’s day to day right now and definitely improving. He’s an integral part of our team and we’d love to have him back ASAP,” assistant coach Mark Radford said via The Mercury.

Cotton’s OT mindset 

Never afraid of the big moments, Bryce Cotton says his conditioning is a big reason why he is able to take over games in the clutch.

“Whether it’s playing close to 40 minutes of a regulation game or having to go into overtime, I trust my body and the work I put in. I think my body can handle it and it’s done that so far,” Cotton said via The West Australian.

NBLxNBA to return 

NBL teams will travel to the NBA for preseason games later this year according to Commissioner Jeremy Loeliger.

“We will be playing at least two games, but we are still in discussions with a few further teams, so it could be more. The specifics of teams and match-ups are still being worked through,” Loeliger said via The Age.

Phoenix lament poor defence

South East Melbourne Phoenix coach Simon Mitchell has lamented his team’s poor defensive performance in last night’s loss to Illawarra.

“Way too many buckets for them, we really struggled to put together groups of stops. We had some moments but, defensively, I thought we were poor. It’s just not good enough,” Mitchell said via Newscorp.

JackJumpers thinking of finals

JackJumpers import Josh Magette has admitted the players have spoken about making the finals.

“I think the guys talk about it, you know everyone wants to make the playoffs. I think playoffs is definitely on people's minds, I think it's human nature to think about that when you're in the position we are,” Magette said via The Advocate.

Cotton would love 48 minutes

Three-time MVP Bryce Cotton would welcome the return of 48-minute games in the NBL.

“I would love for it too, honestly. I'm a student of the game, a student of the NBL as well. I've always wondered what it would be like, to play out here in a 48-minute era, that would be pretty cool and nostalgic I say. Take it back to the old days, but who knows if they will ever do it or not,” Cotton said via ESPN.