Sword’s pesty play cuts through

Tasmania JackJumpers import Craig Sword has drawn incredible praise from Milton Doyle, who has labelled his new teammate "one of the best on-ball defenders I've seen".

Doyle, a powerhouse himself in the JackJumpers' championship season, has given an insight into what fans can expect from the former Washington Wizard.

“I think he’s going to be a pest on defence and cause the best players in this league a lot of problems,” Doyle told JackJumpers Media. 

“Hopefully he plays defence like he always does, so I don’t have to do it so much,” he joked. 

“Offensively he brings a lot to the table ... got another shooter on the court, he’s super-athletic.”

Sword spent his most recent season with the Indiana Mad Ants in the G League, averaging 9.0 points, 2.8 rebounds and 1.2 steals a game. 

“I’m trying to bring the energy. I want to be that glue guy that everybody can depend on, and be reliable,” he said. 

Walking into a team that has not only just won the championship, but also lost one of its key pieces, Jack McVeigh, Sword says he's ready for the added pressure and expectation.

“They won a championship last year, so I expect that everybody is going to be on point. They’re helping me a lot, because I feel like I’m behind,” he said. 

“It’s a great team already, I want to come in and see where I fit in.”

Tasmania has maintained the bulk of its NBL24 roster, with a likely starting five consisting of Sword, Doyle, Anthony Drmic, Majok Deng and Will Magnay. 

“I think we look great to be honest. I know people are going to be talking about Jack and him (Marcus Lee) leaving, and the impact that he had, but I think our team looks great,” Doyle added.

The JackJumpers’ first game of NBL25 will be a championship rematch against runners-up Melbourne United in Round 1 at HoopsFest in Perth.