Craig Sword Reflects On NBL Journey, Departure From JackJumpers & His Next Chapter

Craig Sword One On One: I'll Be Back

In the latest episode of The Basketball Fix: One-on-Ones, founder Josh Higgins sat down with former Tasmanian JackJumper Craig Sword to discuss his NBL journey, departure from the JackJumpers, and what lies ahead for his basketball career.

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Craig Sword, who came into this NBL season with high hopes of helping the JackJumpers secure back-to-back championships, reflected on his time in Tasmania with nothing but praise for the organisation, the team, and the fans. Despite a challenging season, Sword remains optimistic about his future and grateful for the opportunities he had in Tasmania.

A “Glue Guy” in the Modern Game

Sword described himself as a “glue guy,” a player brought in to fulfill a specific role—primarily as a defensive stopper. The 6’3” guard, known for his ability to score and defend, acknowledged that he wasn’t able to showcase his full potential this season. However, he emphasized the importance of having players like himself in modern basketball, where not every import needs to score 25 points per game.

To many people, an import is someone who scores 20 to 25 points per game. In today’s game, you need defenders, rebounders, and all-around good players. That’s what Sword is—a 15 points per game scorer who brings solid defense and is a glue guy for any team.

Reflecting on His Time in Tasmania

Sword spoke highly of his experience with the JackJumpers, expressing genuine respect for the organization, the coaching staff, and his teammates. “There’s no bad blood between me and the JackJumpers,” he shared. “I loved my time there and hope to return one day.”

Moving Forward in Taiwan

After parting ways with the JackJumpers, Sword has landed in Taiwan to finish the season, with hopes of returning to the NBL next year. He highlighted the competitiveness of the NBL and how it has helped shape his game. “The league is tough” he said.

Sword remains focused on his goals and is determined to prove himself on the court. His move to Taiwan marks the beginning of a new chapter, but his ambition to return to the NBL remains steadfast.

Addressing Controversy

During the interview, Sword also touched on the controversy surrounding Derek Rucker’s comments and the ensuing social media drama. While disappointed in the criticism, Sword maintained his professionalism and stressed that he was judged unfairly based on a season where he couldn’t fully showcase his abilities.

“It’s frustrating to be judged on one season where I didn’t get to show everything I can do,” Sword admitted. “But I’m confident in my game and know what I bring to any team.”

A Message for Fans

Josh Higgins concluded the interview by thanking Sword for his honesty and openness. The conversation was a reminder of the challenges and nuances of professional basketball, particularly for imports tasked with balancing high expectations and team dynamics.

Sword’s journey is far from over, and fans of the JackJumpers and the NBL will be watching closely as he continues to grow and succeed. As he embarks on this new chapter in Taiwan, he carries with him the lessons and experiences gained during his time in Tasmania.

Craig Sword’s resilience, versatility, and team-first mentality make him a player to watch in the coming seasons. Fans can catch the full interview on The Basketball Fix via YouTube and Spotify, where Sword dives deeper into his journey and hopes for the future.

Good luck in Taiwan, Craig—see you back in the NBL soon!