Bulk Nutrients Pre-Season Camp Travel Diary

Tasmania’s passionate North and North West community got a taste of NBL action earlier this week when the JackJumpers hosted Melbourne United in two pre-season practice games, presented by Begents, as part of the Bulk Nutrients Pre-Season Camp.

The successful campaign saw the Tasmania JackJumpers defeat Melbourne United in front of sold-out crowds in Ulverstone and Launceston, but importantly solidify the first block of pre-season practice and engage with fans across the State’s north.

 

DAY 1

The JackJumpers started the Bulk Nutrients Pre-Season Camp in Devonport engaging with disadvantaged youth through the club’s partnership with JCP Youth playing some street ball with the children and hearing about their stories and background.

“It was amazing” import Jordon Crawford said.

“Some of these kids have had some really significant hardship and been through some tough times, so to help them forget that even for an hour or two waw a real privilege.

“We just shot some hoops and had a chat and a laugh; I just loved it” Crawford said.

 

DAY 2

The JackJumpers hit the court early on Saturday morning in Ulverstone solidifying pre-season practice and strengthening the bonds of the group while on the road.

Unfortunately Clint Steindl tweaked his ankle at practice and the club medical staff took a precautionary approach, sidelining him to fast track his recovery.

The afternoon saw all JackJumpers players host a fun and energetic clinic in Ulverstone for over 80 local kids, presented by Banjo’s.

Kids aged 5-14 learnt from the players and coaches through a number of skills stations and fun games, and rewarder with delicious Banjo’s treats!

 

DAY 3

Another morning of on court practice and gym-based lifts, of course fuelled by Bulk Nutrients protein and supplements.

But it wasn’t all hard work, and no play! The afternoon was a fun-filled afternoon with over 500 members and fans at the JackJumpers Devonport Family Day, presented by Banjo’s.

Face painting, balloon art, a reptile zoo, Kombi Krew Silent Disco and plenty of giveaways from JackJumpers commercial partner, plus player signings and photos, the SRT Hoops Trailer and fun Q&A on stage thrilled the crowd under sunny skies in Market Square Devonport.

“It was such a fun day!” Eleanor Huxton (age 9) said.

“I got to meet Milton Doyle and Jack McVeigh and Fab (Krslovic) were so funny on stage.

“And we got party pies from Banjo’s as well. I wish the JackJumpers were here every weekend” Eleanor said.

Day 3 culminated in the playing and coaching group gathering around the campfire for a team building meeting and goal setting evening at Camp Clayton just outside of Devonport, before watching the Boomers World Cup game as a group.

 

DAY 4

Game Day. The playing group headed to shootaround in the morning, preparing for the first competitive hit out of the pre-season.

The energy was palpable with the group excited to test themselves and systems against quality opposition in Melbourne United.

Bloodlines member Lou Cox was a special guest at shootaround, with Clint Steindl and Scott Roth acknowledging and explaining Lou’s significant contribution to basketball in Tasmania.

Of course, no shootaround would be complete without the half court shot competition, which sees players and coaches play a knockout game shooting in age order youngest to oldest. For the record, Assistant Coach Jack Fleming won.

The players then headed to promotional opportunities at local schools and with the club’s commercial partners including Spirit of Tasmania and Mazda Devonport.

Clint Steindl, Milton Doyle, Jack McVeigh and Head Coach Scott Roth were lucky enough to go aboard the Spirit of Tasmania for a photoshoot and tour.

Steindl took particular intrigue with the ships navigation systems and sat in the captains chair while chatting with some of the Spirit of Tasmania’s engineering and operation crew.

“The sheer size of the ship and the complexity of the navigation systems was unbelievable” Steindl said.

The players headed back to the accommodation to rest as they prepared for the practice game.

A sold out 1000-strong crowd packed into Mazda BT-50 Thunder Stadium in Ulverstone for the first Pre-Season Practice game against Melbourne United, presented by Begents.

The JackJumpers starting five included Jordon Crawford, Milton Doyl, Jack McVeigh, Anthony Drmic and Fabijan Krslovic, but all 13 suited players were rotated through including North-West local Joe Chilcott who has practiced with the JackJumpers as a training player.

The passionate Ant Army were in full voice as Crawford thrilled in his first proper appearance for Tasmania. The excitement machine scored 15 points in his 21 minutes and showcased a taste of his ball-handling ability and defensive tenacity.

The JackJumpers led from start to finish, eventually coming away with 16 point victory.   

While MU were obviously undermanned, the win was a positive for the home side with plenty of learnings.

“Of course we’re always delighted to come away with a win, and to test some combinations was good” Assistant Coach Mark Radford said.

“And it’s just great to be back in the North West.

“That’s just a small small taste of what Jordon [Crawford] has in his play book. He’s an absolute talent on the offensive end, but importantly his defence as well.  

“He gets in and under guys, that’s not something this league has really seen and fans should be really excited about him. He’s very quick and agile” Radford remarked.

 

DAY 5

Following Monday night’s game, the JackJumpers wrapped up the North West element of the Bulk Nutrients Pre-Season Camp, heading to Launceston for recovery and to continue community engagement activities.

Marcus Lee arrived in Launceston to re-join the group following a fleeting trip back to the U.S. to attend an important family wedding.

The players completed a short practice and recovery session before checking in to accommodation partner, Country Club Launceston and having some well deserved rest.

“First nap of the week!” Jack McVeigh announced. 

But there was very little rest for the *wicked*, with another all-in player-led clinic at St Patrick’s College in Prospect on Tuesday afternoon, this time with 70 kids from across the North, many of them decked out in JackJumpers merchandise as they learnt from their heroes and ate delicious Banjo’s treats.

Tuesday evening was as special occasion for the club as the players, coaches and staff gathered at the home of Chris and Deb Hills, the Managing Directors of club partner Begents.

“Many of the guys are a long way from their family and there’s nothing like getting together for a home cooked meal, so we’re so thrilled to host everyone” Deb Hills said.

“The club is such a family environment and we have been honoured to be brought into that family so we wanted to give something back and make the boys feel at home while they’re here”

Begents were the presenting partner of the Pre-Season Practice Games and are once again Will Magnay’s player sponsor for the NBL24 season.

 

DAY 6

The playing group headed to shoot around refreshed and ready to host Melbourne United in a 2^nd practice game presented by Begents.

Bloodlines members Sarah Veale, Dean Draper, Brett Smith and new member Michael House attended shoot around, chatting with the coaches and players and sharing their experiences and knowledge of basketball in Tasmania.

The group then split up to visit schools, clubs and commercial partners across the greater Launceston area including MyState Bank and Mazda Launceston.

Preparation then turned to Game 2 in front of another sold out crowd at Elphin Sports Centre.

Tasmanian Tanner Krebs started for United, after sitting out game 1 and brough an instant spark as United came out firing, leading by 7 at quarter time.

Young gun Zac Triplett was firing from beyond the arc finishing with 14 points for the game shooting, at 83%.

But it was the JackJumpers defensive game that wrestled back the lead with the home team gaining 31 points from turnovers, and new JackJumper Anthony Drmic leading the way on the O boards to create opportunities for teammates.

Milton Doyle led all scorers with 22 points and four assists, as the JackJumpers secured an 11 point win.  

“We just tried to make some improvements from game 1 to game 2, there’s plenty to work on coming into the Blitz“ Assistant Coach Jack Fleming said.

Fleming was pleased to once again play all 13 suited players including Launceston local Lachy Brewer.

“Those guys have put in the hard yards over the pre-season so it’s important they get rewarded with minutes. We obviously got the starting group in again to go through a few bits and pieces but it was good to go through a few different combinations” Fleming said.

“United brought a young group who play pretty hard, they’re playing for spots over there as well, and they play with a lot of freedom and shot well so that was a good challenge.

“We’ve just got to stay patience and let the chemistry build with conversations and getting games in, so we’ve got heaps out of the last week up here” Fleming said.

 

DAY 7

The team travelled back to their homes in the south, tired but invigorated by the Camp and ready to ramp things up over the coming weeks of the pre-season as we head to the NBL Blitz on the Gold Coast in mid-September.

The squad looks forward to welcoming Walter Brown (NZ), Majok Deng and Junior Madut (South Sudan) back from their respective World Cup duties. Congratulations to the boys for their accomplishments in representing their countries on the world stage.

 

Thank you for having us on the Bulk Nutrients Pre-Season Camp, Northern Tasmania.

MARCH!