Heartland Hustle: Phoenix Take On JackJumpers For First Time

The NBL's newest teams will meet for the first time this Sunday, with both keen to return to the winner's cirlce.

Phoenix will be looking to bounce back after last weeks loss to the Brisbane Bullets, whereas the JackJumpers were scheduled to play New Zealand Breakers on Wednesday but that game was postponed due to Covid protocals.

Key Details

Tasmania JackJumpers v South East Melbourne Phoenix 
Where: MyState Bank Arena
When: Sunday 23 January, 3:00pm ADET
Watch: Live and free on 10 Peach or ESPN via Kayo or Foxtel 

(Phoenix import Brandon Ashley will make his Phoenix debut on Sunday.)

The Teams

Phoenix

New import Brandon Ashley will play his first game with the Phoenix on Sunday, he replaces Steve Taylor Jr in the side.

Phoenix will have a full side for the game.

JackJumpers

The JackJumpers have not played a game for 21 days. Will Magnay returns to their line-up with Nikita Mikhailovskii to miss due to Covid protocols.

(The Phoenix have had a strong week on the practice court.)

Players to Watch

Xavier Munford v Josh Adams

Munford has lead from the front for the Phoenix this season. After a quiet game against the Sydney Kings he was the teams best performer in the last start loss to the Bullets. 

The JackJumpers have relied heavily on the shot making of Adams, and if he plays well they are generally in the game. 

Both American guards have averaged 16 points per game and 3.8 rebounds this season and will have a lot to say about the outcome. 

The History

This will be the first game between the NBL's two newest teams.

Phoenix will look to come out of the blocks with more urgency than their last game, with the JackJumpers having not played since New Years Day they will be in a similar position to the Phoenix last weekend. 

The gap in games for the Phoenix was 28 days, for the JackJumpers it will be 21, the JackJumpers will be focussed on starting strong to avoid what has become a bit of a pattern, most of the teams who have had extended breaks have failed to shake off the rust, but being at home should give the JackJumnpers the boost they need.

(Josh Adams has been leading the way for the JackJumpers.)

Quotes

Phoenix Assistant Coach Judd Flavell

"We had 18 guys at training, so we've been able to get up and down all week, which is the first time in a while. We've been able to play 5v5 which has been great. Having the break, we saw some rust last week, but this week has been a good week overall.

"They've shown they are competitive, they have some wins and some losses, their defence holds them strong and they have enough weapons to score. They've played everyone tough, you don’t take your eye off your opponent in this league. More than any league around the world you have to respect your opponent."

 JackJumpers head Coach Scott Roth

“We are going to put our best foot forward and be aggressive and attack, but I expect there will be some rust on some guys.

“We have to be smart, manage minutes and be patient with them.

“Adding to the challenge is facing the Phoenix, who Roth called

“probably the most talented team across the board”.

Phoenix Media (21/01/2022)