Magnay eyes Round 1

The Tasmania JackJumpers are confident of a Round 1 return for star big man Will Magnay.

Magnay injured his foot during a playing stint in Spain in the off-season, having already had a late start to the NBL23 campaign with a knee complaint.

Given a challenging run with injury throughout his career, the JackJumpers are being cautious on Magnay's recovery, despite the 25-year-old’s eagerness to get back on the court.

“He probably won’t play minutes at the Blitz, but aiming for Round 1 in some sort of capacity ... if not Round 1 it’ll be early in the season ready to go,” Tasmania Co-Chief Executive Officer Jorrick Chivers said.

“The timeline for us was always that we should know more at the start of September, which is where we are now and it’s all tracking as per the advice we got at the start of the off-season.”

Magnay made 22 appearances for the JackJumpers last season, but will no doubt be looking to up his production from an average 16.9 minutes a game.

“Given his past and his history we want to make sure he’s ready. If it means we’ve got to sit him one more week to get him back, we’ll do that,” Chivers said.

“Will’s raring to go … physically he’s in phenomenal condition. He’s got to get his court legs under him and start getting reps in his body, but we’re obviously excited with what he can bring.”

Tasmania will also welcome back NBL23 captain Clint Steindl from an ankle sprain, with the 34-year-old scheduled to play minutes at the Hungry Jack’s NBL Blitz.

The JackJumpers will travel to Perth for their season-opener on September 29.