JACKS JUMP TO DEFEND THEIR ON-COURT RIVAL

HE was the man who sank the hearts of Tasmanian fans in the NBL grand final game two in Hobart on Sunday but, on the eve of game three, the JackJumpers have come out in defence of Kings guard Dejan Vasiljevic.

Ahead of the trip to Sydney for the do-or-die match against the Kings on Wednesday night, JackJumpers captain Clint Steindl said it was unacceptable to target the player with death threats.

“It’s pretty simple _ it’s not needed in basketball or any other sport or even in the workplace,” Steindl said.

“It’s as simple as that. There’s no beating around the bush, we don’t need it, so don’t bloody do it.”

Vasiljevic, above, hit a decisive three-pointer late in the game and celebrated by turning to the packed house at MyState Bank Arena and goading the home crowd. Vasiljevic admitted he “probably took it a little too far with the taunting at the end” but a death threat on social media was beyond the pale, said JackJumpers coach Scott Roth.

“It’s inexcusable in sports,” Roth said on Tuesday.

“We’re here to entertain, and these are young guys playing their hearts out. “This kid [Vasiljevic] has had a hell of a two-game series and kudos to him.

“He made a big shot and I loved the celebration. I thought it was great for the game. He’s a passionate kid who’s been playing his ass off and I love it.

“We have to do better against him but the death threat part of it is just unacceptable in any place and anywhere.”

Roth said the JackJumpers were in a “good place” heading into Wednesday night’s game.

“We will go into the game and continue to fight, eliminate a few mistakes here and there, and we’ll see what happens,” he said.