Where to now without Will Magnay? The Tasmania JackJumpers options moving forward.

The Tasmania JackJumpers source of consistency, Will Magnay has been ruled out for up to two months, so where does this leave the NBL24 Champions' chances for a repeat?

The unfortunate news broke on Thursday, December 12 that Will Magnay had fractured his toe in a training accident during the week and will now be sidelined for up to 6-8 weeks, say sources at NBL.com.

Tasmanian coach Scott Roth now has another big challenge on his hands to use his mastermind coaching skills to replace Magnay, the most consistent of his performers this season. The Tassie big has averaged 13.8 points and 7.1 rebounds, but the Aussie Boomer is more than that to this team, he is the anchor on defence and his experience and poise in high-pressure situations will be missed most.

Who slots in to hole left by Will Magnay

“This is a major loss to their defensive structure, his ability to hold down the paint against the attack of both smalls and bigs will be the biggest concern for the JackJumpers," explains TBF analyst Josh Higgins and continues.

"It’s such a shame that this has happened, his season was really starting to build in the right direction and he was looking as fit as I’ve seen him before”

Roth has a few options at hand to fill the void of Magnay's absence the best he can and it will likely be Fabian Krslovic that will come into the starting lineup as the first replacement, as he did when Magnay was out earlier in the season with an unrelated injury.

Gorjak Gak is another option that Roth will look at, but will need to see the former Florida State forward muscle up more than he has done so far this season since coming from the Brisbane Bullets.

“The problem now is where do you go for his replacement, is it Fabjian Krslovic or Gorjok Gak? Both don’t have the defensive presence that Magnay has and both aren’t strong enough inside to contain some of the leagues best big men.”

Time for Deng to lift

There is also the option of new recruit Ian Hummer, but he will have to warm into the team's defensive structures first, so don't expect the 34-year-old to be thrusted into the starting five too soon and bumping the Jackies' defensive system's off course.

The concern with Magnay being out is going to be the strength and organisation to box out down low, winning rebounds and limiting second chance points for their opponents. It is now going to take a more committed group effort from everyone on the floor to win the battle down low. This will then likely slow down the offence which has looked better this season when they have pushed the pace a little more than they have been known to do.

"The rebounding is going to be the biggest loss, that comes down to teamwork ensuring everyone is boxing out on missed shots and positive communication," explains Higgins.

The question raised now is, is this the final blow that takes the JackJumpers out of contention for back-to-back Championships?

The JackJumpers had finally found their form after a slow start to the year and are currently on a five-game win streak heading into the Christmas period. They take on Melbourne United for the third time this season, on the 23rd of December, with the season series drawn at 1-1, which is the start of a busy schedule the Jackies who play three games in 6 days.

It is going to be trying times for the Ants but if they can get through the holiday season with a win or two while they adjust to the hole left by their Mr. Reliable then they will see the shinning star in the distance.

If not, a long-term injury replacement may be on the cards.