JackJumpers call on fans to 'Defend the Island'

The Tasmania JackJumpers are looking to give back to their community following their historic NBL24 title, with the launch of the Defend the Island Foundation.

The phrase ‘defend the island’ has become synonymous with Tasmanians basketball since it was coined by head coach Scott Roth, and the club is utilising the notoriety to raise funds to support community initiatives around the state, which will enable more Tasmanians access to play basketball.

Tasmanian players have an extensive history in the NBL. Cairns’ Taran Armstrong and Melbourne’s Chris Goulding and Tanner Krebs lead the cohort of current Tasmanian-born players, while the likes of former NBL champions Adam Gibson and Lucas Walker also hail from the Apple Isle.

“While we say ‘island defended’ following our championship win, the mantra extends far further than the court and that mission is far from over,” JackJumpers CEO Christine Finnegan said.

“We want to inspire and help more kids to play the game, and to continue to bring the community together.”

The Defend the Island Foundation is raising funds through the advent of the ‘championship wall’.

The Championship Wall will sit behind the Championship trophy at the club’s home venues in the 24/25 NBL season, before it finds an eventual home at the club’s planned high-performance facility.

Fans will have their names etched onto the wall through a $10 tax deductible donation.

“We’re calling on all Tasmanians near and far to be part of this championship with us by having their name on this commemorative wall, while donating to the foundation which will help us continue and expand our presence and reach in the community,” Scott Roth said.

“The players are proud to carry the island map on their playing jerseys and this will be a fantastic dedication to our fans and their contribution to our club, and to the community” Finnegan said.