Tasmania’s preparation for the NBL finals has been dealt another cruel blow, with guard Nick Stoddart suffering a worrying ankle injury in Wednesday night’s 103 to 70 loss to the Illawarra Hawks at MyState Bank Arena.
In a game that carried little significance in the standings, the damage may ultimately prove far more costly than the result itself. The JackJumpers had already secured sixth place and the final play in berth, but Stoddart’s late injury cast a long shadow over what was already their most lopsided home defeat in club history.
Landing awkwardly on JaVale McGee’s foot in the closing stages, Stoddart was carried from the floor, compounding a difficult night for a Tasmania side that has been battling injury setbacks all season.
Record Home Loss Caps Disappointing Finish
The 33 point margin eclipsed the previous worst home defeat in the club’s brief history, surpassing the 105 to 73 loss to the Perth Wildcats in January last year. Tasmania narrowly avoided matching its largest ever loss, a 36 point defeat to South East Melbourne in the same month.
While there was little riding on the outcome from a ladder perspective, the JackJumpers would have hoped to carry some momentum into the play in tournament. Instead, they were outplayed across four quarters by an Illawarra outfit that, despite being out of finals contention, showed urgency and pride in closing out a disappointing title defence.
The contrast in intensity was stark. Tasmania, one of the past two NBL champions, looked flat and disconnected. Illawarra, freed from the pressure of post season expectations, played with energy and clarity.
Three Point Woes Prove Costly
The statistical story of the game was simple and brutal. The Hawks shot Tasmania out of their own gym.
The JackJumpers missed all ten of their first half three point attempts. In total, they failed to convert their first 13 shots from beyond the arc, seven of those misses coming from import David Johnson. It was not until midway through the third quarter that Johnson finally broke the drought.
By then, the damage had been done.
Tasmania finished a miserable 3 from 24 from long range. Illawarra, by contrast, connected on 13 of 31 from deep. The 30 point differential from three point territory alone underpinned the blowout.
For a team built on defensive grit and disciplined execution, the JackJumpers looked uncharacteristically out of sync. Their ball movement lacked purpose, and their spacing struggled to generate high percentage looks. Meanwhile, the Hawks moved the ball crisply and capitalised on defensive lapses.
The result handed Illawarra a second consecutive victory to end its season, following an upset win over Melbourne United on Sunday.
Bannan and Deng Shoulder the Load
Amid the struggles, only two JackJumpers consistently brought the required intensity on the offensive end: Josh Bannan and Majok Deng.
Bannan continued what has been a breakout season since joining Tasmania. He poured in 13 of his 17 points in the first half and once again controlled the glass. His tally of 14 double doubles for the season trails only Illawarra’s JaVale McGee, who now has 19 after finishing with 15 points and 10 rebounds in Hobart.
Bannan’s development has been one of the few bright spots in Tasmania’s campaign. His improved footwork in the post, ability to stretch the floor, and willingness to compete on the boards have provided vital stability amid the club’s injury crisis.
Deng, meanwhile, is relishing his increased responsibility within the starting lineup. After exploding for 36 points in Tasmania’s previous loss to South East Melbourne, he followed up with 11 against the Hawks. While not as explosive, his effort and assertiveness remained evident.
Still, Tasmania needs far greater output from its imports. Tyger Campbell and David Johnson were unable to shift the momentum on Wednesday night. With the play in looming, the JackJumpers cannot rely solely on Bannan and Deng to generate offense.
Injury Toll Continues to Bite
The Stoddart setback is particularly concerning given Tasmania’s existing injury list. The JackJumpers have already been without several key contributors for extended stretches.
Captain Will Magnay has missed the season, as have import Bryce Hamilton and point guard Sean Macdonald. The cumulative effect has forced coach Scott Roth to constantly adjust rotations and offensive schemes.
Continuity has been elusive. Chemistry has been compromised.
Adding Stoddart to that list at this stage of the campaign is the last scenario Tasmania would have wanted. The timing could not be worse, with the FIBA break now separating them from their play in clash.
Hawks Finish With Optimism
For Illawarra, the victory provided a glimpse of what might lie ahead next season.
JaVale McGee once again demonstrated his class and influence. In the second quarter, he produced a highlight sequence that encapsulated his impact: a clean steal, a coast to coast burst, and an emphatic dunk. Moments later, he denied Bannan with a powerful block at the rim.
Tyler Harvey led all scorers with 21 points, while Quentin Petersen added 20 in an efficient offensive display. The Hawks played freely and decisively, moving the ball with confidence.
There are key questions facing the franchise as it recalibrates for 2026 to 27.
There is a mutual option in the final year of championship winning coach Justin Tatum’s contract. His future remains to be clarified, though the foundation of the roster suggests upside.
Sam Froling, continuing his comeback from an Achilles injury, is expected to make further strides next season. His presence alongside McGee would strengthen Illawarra’s interior rotation significantly.
Tyler Harvey is also on the verge of obtaining Australian citizenship, a development that would open up an additional import slot and create greater roster flexibility.
Play In Challenge Awaits Tasmania
Despite the heavy defeat, Tasmania’s season is far from over.
The JackJumpers will travel to face the team that finishes fifth, most likely Melbourne United though Perth remains a possibility. The road play in fixture will demand resilience, defensive cohesion, and a dramatic offensive uptick.
Momentum can shift quickly in postseason basketball. Tasmania has built its identity on physicality and defensive intensity, traits that tend to translate well in elimination settings. However, they cannot afford another shooting display like Wednesday night’s effort.
The FIBA break provides a window to regroup, recover, and reassess rotations depending on the severity of Stoddart’s injury.
For a team that has defied expectations before, the opportunity remains. But the margin for error has narrowed considerably.