JackJumpers are shooting for title
THEY haven’t had a training session with the entire squad yet but the JackJumpers are not shying away from their goal in their debut NBL season – a championship.
As coach Scott Roth’s 15man roster slowly assembles in the Apple Isle, the new kids on the block say they aren’t just making up the numbers.
JackJumpers power forward Fabijan Krslovic arrived in the state just 10 days ago and the big man continued the team’s public line that it would make some noise.
“Our goal has already been said and that’s to win a championship in our first year and I think we have the squad to do that,” he said.
Krslovic joined the JackJumpers on a two-year deal after three years with the Cairns Taipans.
He said Roth had the NBL newcomers focused on making an immediate impact on the competition.
“He’s been really big on the details and has a strong vision for what success and winning games looks like,” he said.
“Every day at training we go through the details and little things that other coaches
might not pay attention to or think are a big deal and that aspect has been really cool and interesting to be part of.”
Krslovic said the team had the tools to win a championship and would spend the coming weeks getting a better understanding of each other on and off the court to build the chemistry required to fulfil its ambitious goal.
“It’s a process that will take a while but we slowly have guys filtering in,’’ he said.
“Whenever we have a spare afternoon or something we go out and grab a coffee or get dinner together and things like that to build those
relationships and help get to know each other. “
After spending the past three seasons with the Taipans, Krslovic said the opportunity to help build a franchise from the ground up was too hard to pass up.
“The opportunity to be part of a foundation team and building those values and the connection with the community is one that doesn’t come around often and I’m really fortunate to be a part of that and all of those factors made it a no-brainer decision,” he said.
The JackJumpers won’t have to make any tough decisions on players who refuse to get vaccinated against Covid-19 because the entire roster has either been fully vaccinated or had one jab.
It has been a tumultuous week for the NBL after the Illawarra Hawks and New Zealand Breakers released contracted players who refused to be vaccinated.
The NBL has refused to introduce a vaccine mandate for players and staff.
However, it has suggested that those who refused to get vaccinated could be subject to travel restrictions when the states begin to open up.
jarrod.lawler@news.com.au