Rucker expects hero's welcome for former Champion

While there is no love lost between rivals Tasmania and Melbourne, one NBL expert has called for fans to recognise one of the competition’s stars during Thursday’s season-opener at MyState Bank Arena.

The opening-round clash of the Hungry Jack’s NBL will not only pit the two 2023-24 championship series opponents against one another, but it will also mark United recruit Milton Doyle’s first game back in Hobart since the off-season move.

As such, NBL expert Derek Rucker has called for the loyal JackJumpers fans to give ’one of the greats in Tassie’s sporting history’ the respect the deserves.

“It’s strange going in [to that environment] and you’re approaching the game from a totally different perspective,” Rucker said during Thursday’s episode of NBL Now.

“With respect to how the public and the fans are going to respond to Milton [coming back], I think it’s going to be 100 per cent favourable.

“If they booed the hell out of him, it would be totally out of place and 100 per cent out of line because he does not deserve that at all."

Doyle, who helped the JackJumpers win their maiden championship in NBL24, expressed similar sentiments to Rucker.

"I’m expecting a great environment [at MyState Bank Arena] from the home fans,” the 31-year-old Doyle said during United’s media availability on Tuesday.

“I’m not expecting any hostilities from the home fans, as I played well there [for three seasons] and I know the fans respect that.

“[The most important thing for us] is going in and getting the win, to start the season off right, against a good JackJumpers group.”

Doyle played 96 games for the JackJumpers across three seasons, averaging 15.8 points, 5 rebounds and 4.3 assists a game.

He was a member of the All-NBL First Team in NBL23 and All-NBL Second Team in NBL24.

Thursday night's clash tips off at 7.30pm AEST, live on ESPN.