Vickerman ignites Island battle

Melbourne United coach Dean Vickerman may have inflamed the emotions of Tasmania JackJumpers’ supporters ahead of the gigantic Championship Series clash between the sides.

Speaking to ESPN, Vickerman delivered a backhander to the JackJumpers’ mantra ‘Defend The Island’, which coach Scott Roth has constantly used since the club’s inception.

"I don't buy into any of that stuff … Scotty's gonna talk about defending his little island as much as he wants to,” Vickerman told ESPN.

"We're just gonna go about our business, stay locked in, and try to win a championship.”

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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">How will Tassie and its fans react to this? ?<br><br>Game 1 of the Championship Series between <a href="https://twitter.com/MelbUnited?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@MelbUnited</a> and <a href="https://twitter.com/JackJumpers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@JackJumpers</a> begins tomorrow at 4pm AEDT ?<br><br>Live on ESPN via Kayo Freebies | 10 Peach &amp; 10 Play ? <a href="https://t.co/HhYJdR6NF9">pic.twitter.com/HhYJdR6NF9</a></p>&mdash; NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1768896265298075925?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 16, 2024</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The comments add to the perceived narrative of the underdog Tasmania fighting to take down the powerhouse and big market team on the mainland, Melbourne.

Game one of the series tips-off on Sunday at 4pm AEDT at John Cain Arena, live on ESPN via Kayo Freebies, 10 Peach and 10 Play.

Click here to read the full story >> United vs. JackJumpers: How the NBL Championship Series will be decided