LONG BREAK HAS JACKS HUNGRY FOR RETURN

STAR JackJumpers point guard Josh Magette says his side is raring and ready to go for Sunday’s matchup with South East Melbourne as they look to finally hit the court after a three week lay-off.

The JackJumpers have not played since New Year’s Day against Melbourne United, after a string of five successive games were all postponed due to Covid.

Sunday’s game against Phoenix will break a string of 22 games since they last hit the court for an official NBL game and Magette said they were itching to get out there.

“We are very excited,” he said.

“It’s been a crazy couple of weeks for our whole team.

“I think just about everyone was in isolation at one point but we are thankful to be healthy for the most part, and back together and working as a team again.”

Magette (pictured) echoed coach Scott Roth’s view that the recent postponement of games was a positive for the side after only a short time back on the court since nine of its players contracted Covid.

“I think it’s probably a blessing in disguise to have these last few games kind of pushed back,” he said.

“It gives us a few extra days to prepare and get our lungs back, and get that continuity and chemistry back that we were building.”

The American guard said the break also allowed him to reflect on his own individual performances to date.

He said he was keen to return to the floor to lift his own output.

“I think the break came at a good time for me personally,” he said.

“It kind of gave me a chance to sit back and reflect on how our first seven games went, and what needs to change and what I need to be better at personally and the team as well.

“Not playing for three weeks has been kind of eating at me and I’m really excited for Sunday’s game, and I’ve got to be better and I will be.”

Magette said he expected every player on the roster to be available for Sunday’s game and that substitution patterns may be altered to allow for their first game back since recovering form Covid.

“I would imagine our rotations will be a little shorter as guys can’t play as hard for as long, but whatever coach decides is best we’ll go out there and execute it.

“I do know we’ll have 13 guys ready to play.”

The JackJumpers and the South East Melbourne Phoenix will clash at MyState Bank Arena at 3pm on Sunday.