Tasmania JackJumpers vs Illawarra Hawks NBL Round 19 Game Preview

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High Flying Hawks Set to Squash the Lowly JackJumpers

The Illawarra Hawks are set to take on the Tasmania JackJumpers on January 30, 2025, at the Derwent Entertainment Centre in a highly anticipated NBL Round 19 clash. With both teams vying for crucial wins as the playoff race intensifies, this matchup promises to be a battle of grit, strategy, and execution.

Season Performance Overview

The Tasmania JackJumpers have been less than impressive this season, after coming off a championship run against Melbourne United, resigning the majority of that team, including import Craig Sword. It saw them lose all star and floor general Jack McVeigh to the Houston Rockets.

Since then, they are sitting in 7th with a 12-14 record, averaging 83.65 points per game, 34.88 rebounds per game and 17.38 assists per game. Off court antics, including the dismissal of Craig Sword, signing of Ian Hummer and injury after injury have seen them go 1 from 5 in their recent games.

The Illawarra Hawks have been among the league’s most formidable teams this season, boasting an impressive 17-9 record, whilst averaging 101.85 points per game, 39.73 rebounds per game and

18.54 assists per game. Their shooting efficiency is notable, with a field goal percentage of 39.8%. The team's starters contribute significantly, averaging 66.3 points per game. Whilst complacency has caught them on the opposite side of success in recent games, look for them to bounce back after significant rest, 3 games remaining and a top of the table finish in sights.

Head-to-Head Statistics

Historically, the JackJumpers have held the upper hand in this matchup. Since their entry into the NBL in 2022, they have faced the Hawks 12 times, winning 8 of those encounters.

Tasmania averages 89.2 points per game against Illawarra, while the Hawks score an average of 84.2 points in these clashes. However, their most recent meeting saw the Hawks beat the JackJumpers with a 89-84 win, taking a 2-0 lead in the series between these two epic teams.

Key Players to Watch

Tasmania JackJumpers

Jordon Crawford (Guard): The Tiny Ant, Crawford provides an energetic spark of the bench and is a lethal part of Tasmania's offensive engine

Milton Doyle (Guard): The heart of the JackJumpers’ offensive engine, Doyle leads the team in scoring and playmaking, consistently delivering clutch performances.

Ian Hummer (Forward): Whilst new to the team, Hummer is the stretch forward teams dream of, guarding from the 1 to the 5, can he shut down the three headed monster that is the hawks offense?

ILLAWARRA HAWKS

William ‘Davo’ Hickey (Guard): The floor general, Davo’s quick-rash decision making and ability to control the tempo will play a crucial role in the Hawks’ offensive execution.

Todd Blanchfield (Forward): The Golden Vet, after coming off a huge performance against Cairns, watch Blanchfield closely as the hawks utilise his veteran playmaking and dangerous presence.

Tactical Breakdown

Tasmania’s Defensive Prowess

The JackJumpers have built their success on a defense first mentality, leading the league in opponent field goal percentage and defensive rebounding. They excel at forcing turnovers and limiting fast break opportunities, which could pose a challenge for the Hawks’ high octane transition game.

Hawks’ High-Paced Offense

Illawarra thrives on quick ball movement and perimeter shooting. Their ability to stretch the floor with multiple shooters forces defenses to spread out, creating driving lanes for their guards. If the Hawks can maintain a high three-point shooting percentage, they stand a good chance of cementing a top 2 spot.

Battle in the Paint

The rebounding battle will be a key factor in determining the outcome of this game. Tasmania’s big men have been dominant on the boards, but the Hawks have shown improvement in crashing the glass, particularly with Sam Froling and Lachlan Olbrich stepping up.

Three Headed Monster

The Tasmania JackJumpers should be particularly cautious of the Illawarra Hawks' formidable trio: Tyler Harvey, Trey Kell III, and Sam Froling. This "three-headed monster" has been instrumental in the Hawks' success this season, each bringing unique strengths that can pose significant challenges.

Tyler Harvey (Guard)

Scoring Prowess: Harvey has been a consistent offensive threat, averaging 17.68 points per game over 25 games. His shooting efficiency is notable, with a field goal percentage of 46.2% and a three-point shooting percentage of 40.4%.

Playmaking Ability: Beyond scoring, Harvey contributes 3.52 assists per game, facilitating ball movement and creating opportunities for teammates.

Trey Kell III (Guard)

Versatile Scorer: Kell leads the team with an average of 18.35 points per game over 23 games. He maintains a field goal percentage of 43.4% and a free-throw percentage of 89.0%, indicating his reliability in scoring from various positions on the court.

Defensive Contributions: Kell also adds value defensively, averaging 1.09 steals per game, showcasing his ability to disrupt opponents' plays.

Sam Froling (Forward)

Interior Presence: Froling provides a strong presence in the paint, averaging 14.8 points and

7.36 rebounds per game over 25 games. His field goal percentage stands at 55.1%, reflecting his efficiency around the basket.

Defensive Impact: Froling contributes defensively with 0.72 blocks per game, helping to protect the rim and deter opposing players from driving to the basket.

Collective Impact

Together, Harvey, Kell, and Froling account for a significant portion of the Hawks' offensive output, combining for an average of 50.83 points per game. Their diverse skill sets, with Harvey's sharpshooting, Kell's versatility, and Froling's interior dominance, create a multifaceted offensive threat that can be challenging to defend.

Fan Expectations and Atmosphere

JackJumpers fans have built a reputation for creating an electric home-court atmosphere, making Derwent Entertainment Centre one of the toughest venues for visiting teams. The Hawks will need to weather the early energy surge from the home crowd and establish their rhythm early to avoid falling into an early deficit.

Prediction and Final Thoughts

This game presents an intriguing clash of styles, with the JackJumpers’ structured defensive play set against the Hawks’ free flowing offensive approach. If Illawarra can get hot from beyond the arc and limit their turnovers, they have the tools to secure a season defining victory.