DrinkWise Preview: NBL25 - Round 1 v Tasmania JackJumpers

After all the waiting, the off-season finally comes to an end this Thursday as Melbourne United hit the court in Perth as part of HoopsFest for the first game of our Hungry Jack’s NBL25 campaign against the Tasmania JackJumpers.

A Championship Series rematch from last season, the anticipation to see this matchup is through the roof.

Both possessing aspirations to be competing up towards the top of the league once again, all eyes will be on Perth come Thursday night.

LISTEN TO HEAD COACH DEAN VICKERMAN PREVIEW THE MATCHUP HERE

WHO’S HOT, WHO’S NOT

(Pre-season) 

United - L, W, W, L, W

JackJumpers - L, L, W, L, W

Both United and the JackJumpers have experienced mixed results coming into Round 1. 

For Melbourne, a 2-1 Blitz campaign provided a lot of positives, with the team looking strong with the vast majority of our group on the floor for the pair of wins. Perhaps most pleasing for Vickerman was his side’s ability to move the ball and get everyone involved, with the group averaging 22.3 assists per game.

On the other side, a busy schedule has seen Tasmania play five games in 11 days throughout the Blitz and FIBA Intercontinental Cup.

While they were able to come away with a Bronze medal finish at the tournament, their outside shooting came into question. Other than Jordon Crawford, who made 8 of his 15 attempts, the rest of the team connected on just 26.6% of their long range looks.

STARS COLLIDE

Speaking of Jordon Crawford, he will be a major focus for United’s collection of guards as we look to put together a game-winning strategy in Round 1.

The American guard was the JackJumpers best scorer at the FIBA ICC (16.3 points per game) and has shown an ability to light it up from all over the court.

Melbourne star Shea Ili, fresh off a campaign which saw him claim the league’s Defensive Player of the Year award, will likely see time on the shifty scorer, while also producing a strong offensive display at the other end.

Ili led the NBL Blitz in assists, while also displaying a new sense of aggression on offence.

GAME INFO

Who: Melbourne United vs Tasmania JackJumpers

Tip-off: 8:30pm AEST, Thursday 19 September, 2024

Where: RAC Arena, Perth

Watch: ESPN via Kayo