JackJumpers race the clock to prove fitness

The Tasmania JackJumpers are sweating on the fitness of two key players ahead of Monday’s season opener against the South East Melbourne Phoenix, with both Josh Bannan and Anthony Drmic looming as game-time decisions.

Bannan (ribs) and Drmic are two of the JackJumpers’ most experienced players, and their potential absence alongside Ben Ayre (hip flexor) and Bryce Hamilton (knee) would leave them even more shorthanded for their season-opener.

Tasmania coach Scott Roth said Ayre was “a few weeks away” from a return, while Hamilton is still recovering from ACL surgery.

The JackJumpers host the Phoenix at MyState Bank Arena on Monday at 7:30pm AEST, live on ESPN.