Tasmania JackJumpers coach Scott Roth fears the impact on a tough pre-season schedule could hang over the reigning champions for some time.
The JackJumpers lost the opening game of their defence, to Melbourne United, the team they beat to the win the title, in Perth to launch Hoopfest on Thursday night.
Add the fact they were also missing a few players, Tasmania did well to push United. They were only six points behind with three minutes remaining, before losing 88-79.
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But the injury list may have grown, with Boomer Will Wagnay helped from the court with less than two minutes left in the game after a heavy knock. He copped a head knock and looks likely to be forced into concussion protocols.
Concussion is what kept import Craig Sword out of Thursday night’s game.
Sean Macdonald also missed with an ankle injury that is likely to keep him on the sidelines until late in the year.
Roth hinted that there could be more casualties, however didn’t want to elaborate.
He did say that his side was looking forward to finally getting home, but suggested that they’d be counting the costs of their pre-season for some time.
“It could be a few months,” he said.
“We started this journey probably three and a half weeks ago in Burnie, in the north of Tasmania, and worked our way for eight days down through the middle of the state, and then got on a plane to the Gold Coast.
“And then got another plane to Singapore and down to here.
“But in general, I’m extremely proud of my staff and everyone that’s gone through the last three weeks.
“These guys are excited to get home with their families and kids and enjoy a few days off.”
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The JackJumpers’ next game is Saturday-week when they get to play in front of their home crowd for the first time since claiming the title in Melbourne.
Before that game, again against United, there are a few thing`s Roth said they need to work on.
United won the rebound battle 44-36 and was able to 18 second-chance points.
They also gave up 26 fouls, gifting United 21 points from the free-throw line.
“Our foul discipline is the first thing,” Roth said.
“It’s been our Achilles heel for three years, and that’s where it starts with us. Obviously 29 foul shots is a recipe for death.”