Roth named as inaugural Jack Jumpers coach

Perth Wildcats assistant Scott Roth will become the first coach of the newly formed Tasmanian Jack Jumpers franchise, confirmed on Thursday.

Roth, who has spent the past year with the Wildcats as their lead assistant coach has a glittering coaching and playing CV behind him, having played with the Utah Jazz, Minnesota Timberwolves and San Antonio Spurs before commencing his coaching journey as an assistant with the Dallas Mavericks in 1996.

The 57 year old has been an assistant with four other different NBA sides, as well as being head coach of Spanish team Balonchesto Sevilla and NBA G-League side the Iowa Wolves, affiliated with the Timberwolves.

Having played his part in the Wildcats NBL championship triumph of 2019-20, Roth will depart the club as of the 1st March to begin his new role with the Jack Jumpers, who enter the NBL competition in 2021-22.

“We are delighted to welcome Scott as the inaugural Head Coach of the Tasmania JackJumpers in what is a landmark announcement for the NBL’s newest club," JackJumpers CEO Simon Brookhouse said.

“Scott will bring a wealth of experience from what has been a decorated playing and coaching career around the world. He has been part of winning cultures and has a proven track record in developing talent and getting the best out of players.

“Scott’s vast networks will be invaluable in attracting world class talent and achieving success for the JackJumpers. He is also committed to helping build a great club for Tasmania and achieving our goal for basketball to be the number one sport in the state.

“We will now build a strong team around Scott as we prepare for our inaugural season. This is a tremendously exciting time for Tasmania and we are humbled by the amount of support we’re already received and encourage all Tasmanians to join the march.”

Having won the race to coach the side, Roth was excited to get started in his new role.

“I am thrilled to have been given the opportunity to be the first Head Coach of the Tasmania JackJumpers. It’s an exciting time for basketball in the state and I’m looking forward to getting to know the people of Tasmania and building a great club they will be proud of," he said.

“I want to thank the entire Perth Wildcats organisation led by Jack Bendat and Troy Georgiu as well as the coaches led by Trevor Gleeson, all the players and the 'Red Army' that welcomed me to Perth and allowed me to be part of an NBL Championship.

“I’ve enjoyed a long journey in basketball but as soon as I moved to Australia I knew the NBL was where I wanted to be long term. This is a world class league and I can’t wait to get started and prepare for our inaugural season.

“To have a whole state behind one team will be amazing and I’m committed to helping build a really strong culture that Tasmanians can be part of and enjoy what will be an exciting journey for the JackJumpers.”

Tasmania will begin putting it's squad together following the culmination of the NBL21 season, unable to speak to players under contract until after the season has concluded.

IMAGE: The Examiner.