JackJumpers Championship Strength in Depth

Bench depth can often be the barometer on which championships are won, and if the Tasmania JackJumpers’ bench production last night is anything to go by – they have to be noted as contenders.

The JackJumpers’ second unit was out in full force in their nine-point win over the Breakers. As a whole they scored 39 points between them – led by Fabijan Krslovic’s 14 points and Rashard Kelly’s 12 - while New Zealand’s backup brigade managed just eight – all of which were scored by Cam Gliddon.

“It’s been the foundation of the franchise for me and the people I’ve brought in,” JackJumpers head coach Scott Roth said of his bench’s influence.

“This is just a selfless group and that’s what we hang our hat on, just doing the work every day … I’m quite respectful of that – it’s how I was brought up when I played.

“I’ve told these guys many times I trust them all, but I can’t play them all … I appreciate them all because I know the work and diligence these guys fight with and the passion they have.

“The values and culture we build from that bench group is hugely important to the group.”

The game also acted as a strong barometer for how far Will Magnay has come since his return to the court six weeks ago.

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In his comeback game against the Breakers Magnay registered zero points and three rebounds in 14 minutes off the bench. Last night those numbers jumped to nine points and nine boards in 21 minutes as a starter.

The elite rim protection of Magnay is been more and more on show as he continues to re-acclimatise to the rigours of NBL basketball. He believes he’s slowly coming back up to speed.

“The games have slowed down a little bit for me,” Magnay said post-game.

“When you’re first back out there it’s pretty quick and sped up, and they’re (New Zealand) really physical and really up to you – so to sort of debut against a team like that was pretty tough.

“I think I’ve had a pretty good string of games and practices where I’ve got ‘JB’ (Jarred Bairstow) crawling all over me and he makes it hard for me as well.

“I think my conditioning is still not quite there, but it’s definitely getting there.”

The JackJumpers next take to the floor on Friday night in a NBL22 grand final rematch against Sydney.