No Easy Minutes at Unrelenting JackJumpers

At the Tasmania JackJumpers nothing is given, and everything is earned.

Since the side’s introduction to the NBL two seasons ago, the entire franchise has prided itself on the ability to bring in competitive and gritty players who, more often than not, have experienced one or more serious rejections over their careers.

In short, Tasmania looks to target players with a point to prove.

That recruitment strategy has paid dividends for the perennially underrated side, and heading into NBL24 it’s a strategy that is set to continue.

“Some guys are going to choose more money, more guaranteed playing time, more things being guaranteed to them that I will never, ever promise anyone as long as I’m JackJumpers coach,” Scott Roth said.

“In our situation we can probably be a turnoff at some point, because we’re not giving those things away.

“To give away a starting spot or minutes isn’t what I stand for. I don’t give any player – I don’t care who it is – guaranteed minutes or guaranteed starting spots.”

That approach is likely to be music to the ears of new signing Anthony Drmic, who was named as the JackJumpers’ first new signing in the current NBL Free Agency.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">?Experienced ANT joins The March!?<br><br>The Tasmania JackJumpers are pleased to announce the signing of Anthony Drmic ahead of NBL24<br><br>The 31-year-old joins the JackJumpers on a one-year deal after stints with the Adelaide 36ers and Brisbane Bullets. <br><br>More: <a href="https://t.co/aAHgD2uyoR">https://t.co/aAHgD2uyoR</a> <a href="https://t.co/5GNBiXjOGa">pic.twitter.com/5GNBiXjOGa</a></p>&mdash; Tasmania JackJumpers ? (@JackJumpers) <a href="https://twitter.com/JackJumpers/status/1647721551381536770?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 16, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Drmic has come onto the roster as a raft of guards have gone to pastures new. Isaac White and Sam McDaniel will represent the Bullets next season, while Matt Kenyon has signed a deal with the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

Drmic says he believes his style of play will fit in well with his new side.

“One thing my whole career I’ve tried to hang my hat on is being one of the guys playing the hardest,” Drmic said.

“When you play against Tassie you’re playing against 12 guys who are playing just as hard, or harder, than you are.

“They show up and hang their hat on that, and being able to be a part of that I feel I will fit in perfectly.”

Having pulled together Tasmania’s inaugural roster, seeing the likes of Kenyon and McDaniel leave the club is an “interesting” experience, according to Roth.

The former Dallas Mavericks assistant confirmed the club had offered an extension to Kenyon, but says there’s no hard feelings towards the now ex-Tasmania guard.

“For Matt to sign with South East Melbourne, we’re always cheering for him and we love him to death. We offered a contract and it didn’t work out. That’s fine,” he said. 

“The reality is Kenny (Kenyon) was playing in the NBL1 three years ago and not many people were paying attention to him. We feel like the coaching staff at this organisation rejuvenated his career.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The JackJumpers would like to thank Matt Kenyon for his contribution to the club over the past 2 seasons.<br>Matt was instrumental in our on court success, being named Defensive Player of the Year in our first season.<br>We wish Matt all the best for the future, see you Christmas Day? <a href="https://t.co/IvoOCqXvrf">pic.twitter.com/IvoOCqXvrf</a></p>&mdash; Tasmania JackJumpers ? (@JackJumpers) <a href="https://twitter.com/JackJumpers/status/1647823452936736774?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“Those things are hugely important to us and how we’re viewed as a club. Guys who are looking for a second chance or are on a different type of journey, this is your landing spot.

“We’re proud of the fact these guys are getting better opportunities. A lot of credit obviously goes to him because he did the work, but this organisation also backed him like he’s never been backed before.

“But it’s a bit more sentimental with the guys you start a franchise with, and you wish them well. They’re high character guys who have made a big impact.”

The Tasmania JackJumpers will hit the floor for the first time in NBL24 when they take on the Perth Wildcats on Friday, September 29.