THE 2022/23 National Basketball League season is less than two weeks from getting underway, and it is shaping up as one of the most anticipated seasons in recent memory.

Last year saw the Tassie fairytale, some new stars step to the forefront and Sydney dominance in the big dance. With some big names joining the competition over the past few months, there is a lot to like about how the fixture is looking, as the league continues its rise on the world stage.

With that in mind, Rookie Me Central will be taking a look at how each side is shaping up ahead of the season tip-off, with some new look squads eager to take the next step.

The next side on the list are the Tasmania JackJumpers, who produced one of best stories in Australian sport last season, making the grand final in their inaugural season and will be looking to repeat that feat in their upcoming campaign.

Tasmania JackJumpers
2021/22 record – 17-11

Unless you have been living under a rock in 2022, you probably heard a bit about the meteoric rise of the NBL’s newest side, with the JackJumpers proving to be the biggest story in the competition last year, coming within three games of the title.

They kicked things off with an overtime win over the Bullets in their NBL debut, but struggled to put wins together in the couple of months that followed. It was looking to be a learning experience for a fresh young side, before the second half of the season was a complete turnaround.

Head coach Scott Roth implemented a tough, defensive style of play, which worked a charm as Tassie was second in points conceded over the course of the year. They took down some big scalps and thanks to some results falling their way, snuck into fourth spot in the final round of the season.

Remarkably, Tasmania’s run continued against the reigning champs in United, with the JackJumpers winning in three and advancing to the big dance. Their run came to a halt when they were outclassed by a superior Kings side, who took the deciding series in two games.

With Roth at the helm, the JackJumpers will always be a threat, but there is a chance that Tassie may be found out in its second season, and with a number of team’s making big moves in the offseason, spots in the top four will be even harder to come by.

The JackJumpers farewelled imports Josh Adams and MiKyle McIntosh, with Adams leaving a big hole on the offensive end. They welcomed the duo of Milton Doyle and Rashard Kelly, both of whom have impressed in the Blitz preseason competition. Kelly should move straight into a starting role, while Doyle should slot in nicely next to Josh Magette.

The JackJumpers defied the odds last season, but it won’t get any easier from here, so expect a bit of a different look from Tassie in their upcoming campaign.

Roster

Josh Magette, Jarred Bairstow, Matt Kenyon, Fabijan Krslovic, Will Magnay, Sam McDaniel, Jack McVeigh, Clint Steindl, Jarrad Weeks, Rashard Kelly, Sean McDonald, Milton Doyle, Isaac White, Josh Tomasi, Tristan Forsyth, Walter Brown