Roth celebrates history

JackJumpers coach starts Bloodlines to recognise basketball heritage

THE JackJumpers’ commitment to unifying the state ahead of its NBL re-entry has commenced with coach Scott Roth creating a “Bloodlines” group to celebrate Tasmania’s basketball history.

A dozen initial members from across the state have been chosen to start the Jack

Jumpers Bloodlines, including North-West Coast stalwarts Sam and Ben Armstrong, Chargers coach Anthony Stewart, 1984 Olympian and three-time WNBL MVP Kathy Foster and Sarah Veale.

“Since I’ve been in this role and moved around Tasmania I’ve been struck by the rich heritage of basketball in the state,” Roth said.

“There are so many people who have contributed to making the game what it is here today.

“We want to bring them together and recognise their enormous contribution but also harness their incredible skills and knowledge as we build an NBL team that all Tasmania can be part of and be proud of.”

JackJumpers chief executive Simon Brookhouse said the group would continue to expand to recognise the contribution made from those within Tasmanian basketball.

Foster, who played for Australia between 1981 and 1988, and is an Australian Basketball Hall of Fame inductee, was honoured to be recognised as Tasmania gears up to rejoin the NBL for the first time since 1995.

“I am really excited that NBL basketball is returning to Tasmania,” she said.

“Scott Roth has been a breath of fresh air and has been working hard to ensure that Tasmanian basketball history is acknowledged and that staff and recruits to the JackJumpers are exposed to past players, coaches etc and their stories.

“Personally it has been really great to be acknowledged and to be given a chance to participate in Tassie’s next basketball venture.

“I loved playing the game and hope that the Bloodlines project and the JackJumpers inspire young players to work hard to reach the top level in this great sport.”