Coach keeps faith despite another loss for JackJumpers

Kouat Noi was a standout for the Sydney Kings in their crushing NBL win over the JackJumpers. (Mark Evans/AAP PHOTOS)

Scott Roth believes the Tasmania JackJumpers have the right players to salvage their ailing NBL season after the Sydney Kings handed the reigning champions their fifth loss in six games.

The JackJumpers (3-7) scored their fewest points in franchise history during Sunday's 88-60 thrashing at Qudos Bank Arena and are now only off the bottom of the ladder on for-and-against.

But as the season approaches its halfway point later this month, Roth insisted his belief in the playing group was unwavering and that no changes would be considered.

"If we can't (turn the season around) then I should just go home now, I guess," he said.

JackJumpers coach Scott Roth (centre) urges his players to lift.
JackJumpers coach Scott Roth (centre) urges his players to lift in the game against the Kings.

"It's sports, isn't it? Of course we believe it's going to turn around, and if it doesn't turn around it won't be because of a lack of work.

"I plan on keeping this group in front of me until something would happen.

"We might not win any games for the rest of the way out. I don't know what's going to transpire other than the fact that the group that we have has been wonderful."

The visitors did well to restrict the Kings' star contingent despite the absence of their own key big man Will Magnay (shoulder), who failed a fitness test but could return to face Perth on Thursday.

Former league MVP Xavier Cooks (10 points, seven rebounds) managed only two points before the final change, while Jaylen Adams failed to land a field goal playing his second game since a back injury.

But Tasmania once again struggled to find points of their own, restricted to below 80 for a seventh time this season despite putting up more shots than the Kings.

The JackJumpers shot at only 31 per cent from the field.

"We've had open shots early on and they just don't go in and that kind of snowballs into we just can't make anything of anything that can really open the floor up," Roth said.

"We'll just keep pushing through."

Diminutive guard Jordon Crawford (12 points) was the JackJumpers' only consistent scoring threat, with the remaining four starters combining for only 25 points.

Jordon Crawford of the Jackjumpers.
The JackJumpers' Jordon Crawford (left) takes a shot over Cameron Oliver of the Kings.

The Kings' win snaps a three-game losing streak that had knocked the championship fancies off course early in Brian Goorjian's first season back in Sydney.

Kouat Noi managed a game-high 26 points that included five consecutive three-pointers.

The forward rejoiced in entertaining the crowd, running to the courtside seats to high-five a punter following one of his successful triples.

"'Goorj' always says this is the entertainment business," Noi said.

"So you've got to go out there and if you're not putting seats for the fans to come and watch you, you're doing it wrong."

Noi capped a fantastic afternoon with a one-handed dunk as the final minute approached.

Tasmania managed to cut the lead back to single digits in the third term, but when Cameron Oliver nailed a tip-in just after the final change, the lead was 21 points and the JackJumpers appeared out of the contest.

License this article

What is AAPNews?

For the first time, Australian Associated Press is delivering news straight to the consumer.

No ads. No spin. News straight-up.

Not only do you get to enjoy high-quality news delivered straight to your desktop or device, you do so in the knowledge you are supporting media diversity in Australia.

AAP Is Australia’s only independent newswire service, free from political and commercial influence, producing fact-based public interest journalism across a range of topics including politics, courts, sport, finance and entertainment.

What is AAPNews?
The Morning Wire

Wake up to AAPNews’ morning news bulletin delivered straight to your inbox or mobile device, bringing you up to speed with all that has happened overnight at home and abroad, as well as setting you up what the day has in store.

AAPNews Morning Wire
AAPNews Breaking News
Breaking News

Be the first to know when major breaking news happens.


Notifications will be sent to your device whenever a big story breaks, ensuring you are never in the dark when the talking points happen.

Focused Content

Enjoy the best of AAP’s specialised Topics in Focus. AAP has reporters dedicated to bringing you hard news and feature content across a range of specialised topics including Environment, Agriculture, Future Economies, Arts and Refugee Issues.

AAPNews Focussed Content
Subscription Plans

Choose the plan that best fits your needs. AAPNews offers two basic subscriptions, all billed monthly.

Once you sign up, you will have seven days to test out the service before being billed.

AAPNews Full Access Plan
Full Access
AU$10
  • Enjoy all that AAPNews has to offer
  • Access to breaking news notifications and bulletins
  • Includes access to all AAPNews’ specialised topics
Join Now
AAPNews Student Access Plan
Student Access
AU$5
  • Gain access via a verified student email account
  • Enjoy all the benefits of the ‘Full Access’ plan at a reduced rate
  • Subscription renews each month
Join Now
AAPNews Annual Access Plan
Annual Access
AU$99
  • All the benefits of the 'Full Access' subscription at a discounted rate
  • Subscription automatically renews after 12 months
Join Now

AAPNews also offers enterprise deals for businesses so you can provide an AAPNews account for your team, organisation or customers. Click here to contact AAP to sign-up your business today.

SEVEN DAYS FREE
Download the app
Download AAPNews on the App StoreDownload AAPNews on the Google Play Store