Tasmania’s fresh faces boost bounce-back hopes

Tasmania fans endured a rare early exit in NBL25, with injuries cutting short another Championship tilt.

The Ant Army isn’t used to seasons ending early, but signs from the JackJumpers’ pre-season suggest a swift return to contention.

With fresh faces bolstering a strong returning core, Bryce Hamilton, David Johnson and Tyger Campbell headline the new imports, and Damon Lowery believes they can spark something special.

"Scott Roth… the founder of the 'Jackie Way’ and ‘Defend The Island,’ he’s nailed it with those three imports. Absolutely nailed it," Lowery said on NBL Now.

"One thing about Tasmania, the way they’ve been playing since they’ve been in the league is with a certain style.

"When they won a championship, they had a certain style. Now I feel like Scott Roth is starting to evolve to the point that, 'yes, I got some guys who can just go out and get a bucket'."

Hamilton and Johnson impressed with strong performances throughout the CODE Sports NBL Blitz, while Campbell embraced the role of primary facilitator at point guard.

“The ‘Jackie Way’ still exists,” Lowery continued. 

“They’re going to defend, they’re going to play hard, going to crash the offensive glass. They’re going to do all those intangible things that made us fall in love with the Ant Army and the way they go about it.”

Tasmania claimed two hard-fought wins at the Blitz, finishing second overall after back-to-back clutch performances.

Could the Hungry Jack's NBL26 Season mark their return to the top?