Roth reveals JackJumpers' injury crisis

The Tasmania JackJumpers are counting the costs of a hectic pre-season schedule, with “multiple injuries” heading into Round 1 at HoopsFest in Perth. 

Returning from the Intercontinental Cup in Singapore, where they played three games in as many days off the back of the NBL Blitz on the Gold Coast, the JackJumpers will face Melbourne United in their season-opener.

While the full details of the injuries are still to be revealed, key player Sean Macdonald fell awkwardly during Sunday’s bronze-medal game at the Intercontinental Cup, with what looked to be a leg issue.

Roth said he still needed to discuss the club's full injury situation with the team's medical staff.

“Unfortunately everything I hoped would not happen, happened to us,” Roth said of Tasmania’s pre-season campaign. 

“We have multiple injuries coming out of this two and a half weeks, which was my biggest fear.

“I’m extremely concerned about the roster in the next six to eight weeks, not just Thursday.”

Roth said a busy schedule had cost his team getting the proper recovery between games, and put a heavy toll on the players. 

“I’m devastated for the players, obviously,” he said.

“What’s transpired in my short time in the league is that every time a team has gone overseas, there’s been a devastating effect to that at the start of the season. 

“That was all the things I was worried about when we left Hobart to go on this journey.”

The reigning champions tip off their NBL25 campaign on Thursday night at RAC Arena.