Magnay Edges Closer

Will Magnay’s return to the court might not be too far away, according to JackJumpers head coach Scott Roth.

Magnay has been sidelined since mid-way through last season with persistent knee issues – currently it’s bone bruising that’s keeping him away from NBL action.

A notoriously strong influence on the defensive end of the floor, Magnay’s presence was sorely missed by the JackJumpers in their season-opening loss to the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

South East Melbourne ended the game with ten more rebounds than the JackJumpers. They also shot 23 more free throws.

“I thought they were relentless,” Tasmania head coach Scott Roth said of the Phoenix. “For us, having go to the line 29 times, and 15 offensive rebounds, was a factor for us … congratulations to Simon (Mitchell) and that group – they obviously played extremely hard.”

With Magnay’s injury replacement player Tristan Forsyth not taking to the court in the clash the sheer size of Magnay was sorely missed, however Roth has delivered good news on his impending return.

“He’s been up and about quite a bit in the last ten days,” Roth said.

“We’re hopeful that his procedure he had about two months ago now is seeming to help him a great deal, and maybe he’ll be back in the lineup in a month.

Tasmania veteran and co-vice-captain Jarrad Weeks says he’s looking forward to Magnay’s return.

“Obviously we’d love to have ‘Mags’ in the squad,” Weeks said. “The reality is he’s still out a month – maybe more. We’re not too sure.

“We miss more than just his rebounding. His leadership is very good for keeping guys accountable [and] he’s a very physical player.

“He brings a lot to our team and we have to try and fill that hole while he’s out.”