Macdonald fuels JackJumpers' charge

Tasmania JackJumpers guard Sean Macdonald has slotted back into the lineup seamlessly after a "gruelling" rehab period, and his return has helped spark his side's three game winning streak. 

The 24-year-old returned in Round 9 after sustaining an ankle injury in September's FIBA Intercontinental Cup, and he has opened the lid on his mentality during his stint on the sidelines. 

"I was just trying to keep it positive and bring good energy. I backed the guys in to get us wins and obviously it didn’t quite go our way in a couple of results, but I don’t think we dropped our heads," Macdonald told The Mercury.

“The rehab process was pretty gruelling but it was important to keep a positive mindset throughout it. I couldn’t change what had happened so I had to focus on trying to get healthy every day."

The JackJumpers' title defence was fading without last year's Most Improved Player in Macdonald on the court, but he has made an instant impact since returning. In the Round 9 win over Brisbane, Macdonald played limited, but effective, minutes with seven points and seven assists. 

Seany Mac is BACK 💥

📺 LIVE ON ESPN pic.twitter.com/J4UTZcsPZl

— Tasmania JackJumpers 🐜 (@JackJumpers) November 15, 2024

He followed that up with a 15-point, five assist performance in Tasmania's 77-73 win over Adelaide - the 36ers' first loss at home since December 2023. 

Macdonald and the JackJumpers are back on court on Thursday night against the Cairns Taipans at 7:30pm AEDT live on ESPN.

>> Read the full story here: How Tasmania JackJumpers guard Sean Macdonald recovered from career-worst ankle injury.