ROTH STANDS FIRM ON HIS VALUES

TASMANIA JackJumpers coach Scott Roth says he is “willing to do what’s right,” even if it costs his side a chance to make consecutive NBL finals series.

With the JackJumpers (12-10) locked in a tight battle with Perth (1210), Adelaide (11-10), the Phoenix (1211) and Melbourne United (11-12) for a top-six playoff spot, the need for percentage may be crucial but Roth said he would urge his side not to run up the score to close out games, even if that result had dire consequences for their playoff aspirations.

“It’s sportsmanship and that’s how I was brought up,” Roth said following their victory over Illawarra on Tuesday.

“I’m willing to do what’s right and how I believe basketball is supposed to be played. With eight seconds to go and we’re up 10 points and we think we’ve got to jam a ball down someone’s throat to prove a point, then I wasn’t brought up the right way of how to play basketball.

“If you’ve got 36 seconds left on the shot clock and we have a possession going down we’re going to try and score, but if we have eight seconds to go and we’re up eight or nine to me it’s just sportsmanship and that’s how I was brought up.

“I understand the whole dynamics of it all, to me you just need the ball. That’s just me and it might cost us but I’m not a fan of that rule in general.”

The JackJumpers will return to MyState Bank Arena tonight to take on Adelaide following their 92-89 victory over the Hawks on Tuesday.

With the two sides locked at onewin apiece this season, Roth (inset) said they were well aware of the danger the 36ers presented. “They are big and athletic and will be in the passing lanes,” Roth said. “They’ve got aggressive defenders so we have to value the ball and not turn it over. They also have a lot of guys that can score with the ball and they are just a lively bunch of guys who can put a lot of pressure on you. You are never too far ahead of them or too far behind them.” While co-vicecaptain Josh Magette put in a textbook performance to finish with nine points, seven rebounds, six assists and three steals, the health of the JackJumpers’ roster meant captain Clint Steindl didn’t see any court-time against the Hawks.

“I don’t have to worry about Clint Steindl tomorrow pouting and being upset or grumpy on the plane because he didn’t play,” Roth said.