THE FINAL team in our National Basketball League (NBL) Team Preview series is the Tasmania JackJumpers, who have seen some serious changes over the offseason and will be a different looking side in the 2025/26 season.

Two seasons on from a maiden championship, many of the heroes from that team have moved on, with Jack McVeigh, Milton Doyle and Jordan Crawford all departing the club over the offseason, as a new chapter begins for the team from the Apple Isle.

Once again, the JackJumpers have valued team fit over star power, which has proven to be a winning strategy in the past, and although they lost some big names over the offseason, can never be counted out in the finals race.

Tasmania JackJumpers

Roster

Anthony Drmic, Archie Woodhill, Ben Ayre, Brody Nunn, Bryce Hamilton, David Johnson, Josh Bannan, Kobe Williamson, Majok Deng, Nicholas Stoddart, Nick Marshall, Sean Macdonald, Tyger Campbell, Will Magnay

The JackJumpers lost some of their biggest names over the offseason, and used all three of their import slots after Macdonald went down with a season-ending injury during his international duties. They also added some local talent in Bannan and Ayre, in what is shaping as a balanced roster.

Key player – Will Magnay

The JackJumpers’ original marquee signing at the club’s inception, and after overcoming some injury troubles that kept him off the court for quite some time, has stamped his claim as one of the best defensive big men in the NBL. He is fresh off a gold medal winning campaign with the Australian Boomers, where he was the team’s captain in a clear showing of his standing within the sport. He remains one of the core members of the JackJumpers, and will likely be asked to play a bigger role for Tasmania this season. His interior defence is proven, but if he can bring the same touch around the rim that he showed at the Asia Cup, his offensive production could take a leap in the coming months, which Tassie may just need.

Key to success – Their imports repaying the faith

It is safe to say the JackJumpers have had mixed results from their imports over recent years, with Doyle and Crawford the standouts, while the likes of Craig Sword and Ian Hummer were unable to have an impact in the Apple Isle. For the upcoming 2025/26 season, the JackJumpers have loaded up with three import players, all of whom have not played in the NBL previously, and will be expected to do a lot of the heavy lifting on the roster. Tasmania will be hopeful that Campbell can control the offence, and both Hamilton and Johnson can be impactful offensive players. If all three can fill their role and perform at a high level, the JackJumpers could be one of the dark horses for the championship.

In a sentence

The JackJumpers are heading in a new direction this season, but with Scott Roth still at the helm and a trio of imports seemingly ready to fire, they could be one of the competition’s most surprising teams for season 2025/26.