BUZZ INTENSIFIES AROUND JACKJUMPERS

A SEA of JackJumpers merchandise at an NBL practice match was all Adam Gibson needed to see to be convinced the league’s new franchise will prove a hit in his home state.

Gibson played in South East Melbourne’s scratch match against New Zealand Breakers at Kingborough Sports Centre last Thursday night, which attracted a crowd of 300 rustedon basketball fans.

Tasmania JackJumpers members were given access to the limited tickets, which were quickly snaffled up.

Having lived through a new club’s build- up to its first season with the Phoenix, Gibson knows the difficulties facing the JackJumpers ahead of the 2021- 22 season, but also the excitement which comes with it.

“Until you actually play that first game, it doesn’t quite feel real, it was similar with us at the Phoenix,” Gibson said.

“Obviously the club here still a long way away.

“They’ve just got a coach now, no players have signed obviously and no stadium and there’s a lot to happen in eight months to get up and running.

“But it’s awesome for this state, growing up to have a professional team that you can go and watch, maybe go and train is at as a young kid or as a young player, I think is awesome.

“Once kids start getting the merchandise and they come to clinics and camps and stuff and you just feel the buzz.

“I expect the same thing to happen here, once they start signing some players and obviously Scott ( Roth) and his team will get out there and promote it and no doubt there’ll be a buzz.

“In our game ( against the Breakers) we saw all the JackJumpers shirts and stuff in the crowd, I think it’ll take off pretty quick.

“That’s the exciting part, every step you take is something new.”