THE 2023/24 National Basketball League (NBL) season was one of the most entertaining in recent memory, with all teams performing at a high level and making a genuine run at some postseason action along the way.

All 10 teams were in the hunt for a spot in the finals and play-in until the penultimate round, demonstrating the impressive quality of the competition.

Given the season has concluded, Rookie Me Central will be dissecting each team’s campaign, and the key pieces that shaped it.

The final team in the series are the Tasmania JackJumpers, who made history by claiming their first NBL championship.

Tasmania JackJumpers

2023/24 record – 16 wins, 12 losses
Ladder positioning – 3rd
Postseason result – Won the Championship Series in five games

HOW IT HAPPENED

Although they were not the best side of the regular season, the JackJumpers delivered when it mattered most, turning their form around in the final stretch of their fixture to claim the ultimate prize. After maneuvering the play-in tournament from third spot, Tasmania booked a place in the semi-finals against the Perth Wildcats, where they won the third and decisive match on the road. In the Championship Series, they faced off against the ladder-leading Melbourne United, and after both sides won two games, proceedings went to a fifth and deciding match at John Cain Arena, where the JackJumpers snagged a two-point win to claim the 2023/24 championship.

MVP – Jack McVeigh

McVeigh elevated himself into superstar status with a tremendous campaign for the JackJumpers. The forward went viral for a remarkable half-court heave in game three of the Championship Series that found the bottom of the net and kept Tasmania in the box seat for the title. He was as consistent as anyone for Tasmania, proving himself as an offensive weapon both inside and outside, and was named to the All-NBL Second Team.

THE COACH – Scott Roth

Roth was again at his tactical best throughout the 2023/24 season, making match-winning moves in key games to ensue his team snagged the ultimate prize. His best showing came in game three of the semi-finals against the Wildcats, where he outclassed John Rillie and ensured Perth could not get into its rhythm. Again, Roth got the most of his rotation, and was unmatched in his adjustments in the postseason.

WHERE TO?

The JackJumpers will not want to upset the apple cart too much, as disturbing a winning formula would not be a smart move. The team has already moved on from Marcus Lee and added Gorjok Gak in the frontcourt, while retaining key pieces to their championship run, so it should be a similar look for the reigning champions next season.