Surging JackJumpers a “threat”

The defending champion Tasmania JackJumpers have won three consecutive games for the first time this season and may be poised to make another post-season run.

“What looked like a dire situation just a month ago has significantly turned in just two to three rounds,” 1990 NBL MVP Derek Rucker said on Moments That Mattered.

“I think they’re a threat.”

Over the first half of the season, the concerns looked real for the JackJumpers, as they fell to ninth on the NBL ladder and boasted one of the poorest offensive ratings of the last decade.

However, in typical Tasmania fashion, their offensive struggles have had no impact on the defensive end, where Scott Roth’s men remain one of the NBL’s most disciplined squads.  

“They continue to build success on the back of their defensive performance,” Rucker said. 

Their elite defence has kept them afloat through 10 rounds, with Scott Roth’s side sitting just outside the top six with a 6-8 record.  

Rucker is also shocked two teams, Adelaide and Perth, have selected the champions as their Summer Shootout choice – where the 36ers and Wildcats will look to run up the score on the JackJumpers. 

“I can’t believe teams actually selected Tasmania,” he said. 

“They’re going to shut you down just to put an X through those two teams that are heading down to Tasmania to try and win the Summer Shootout.

“You’re not getting it done. They are very good. It doesn’t matter who Scott Roth plays, they still get it done as a team on the defensive end.”

Rucker doubled down on his take that MyState Bank Arena is a tough place to try and win for opposing teams.

“Tasmania have a bunch of home games to come, I don’t think they’re going to be losing a lot of those,” he added.

“In mid to late February, when the Play-In game will occur…that’s going to be a wicked place to try and get a victory.

“If it ends up being fifth versus sixth, and Tasmania finish fifth, that’s tough… you’re getting an L, I can guarantee you that right now.”