Injury ends JaskJumpers skipper's NBL26 campaign

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Tasmania JackJumpers skipper and star big man Will Magnay has been ruled out for the remainder of NBL26 with a toe injury, all-but ending the club's push for a deep playoff run.

Magnay suffered an acute fracture of his second toe on his left foot in the fourth quarter of Tasmania's loss to Melbourne United in Perth at HoopsFest.

He has averaged 10.4 points and seven rebounds along with 1.8 blocks per game this season.

The injury is a major blow for the JackJumpers with the Paris Olympian in dominant form in recent weeks as Scott Roth's side found their groove, including wins over the Adelaide 36ers, United and South East Melbourne with the 2024 champions looking a danger on the run home to the playoffs.

Magnay being ruled out also causes roster issues for Tasmania, who could have received an exemption to add a replacement player despite the deadline having already passed, but it would need to be a local as they already have three imports in their team.

It may call into question why the JackJumpers didn't sign a legitimate back-up big man with power forward Josh Bannan and stretch forward Majok Deng expected to take most of the load with Magnay out.

In NBL24, Tasmania had import centre Marcus Lee on their roster, which allowed them to still feature a starting quality big while Magnay battled several injury issues. This year, the JackJumpers don't have that, leaving Roth and his coaching staff to possibly make some major game style adjustments to help the team to the playoffs.

The JacJumpers are no certainty to secure sixth spot either with the New Zealand Breakers sitting only two games behind.

JackJumpers GM Basketball Operations Darren Smith said Magnay won’t require surgery, and his recovery would be managed by the UTAS High Performance Team.

“Sadly, the nature of Magnay’s injury means he is out for the remainder of the season,” Smith said.

“It’s devastating to lose a player and person of Magnay’s calibre. He’s a giant of our team on and off the court. But in true Magnay style, he’ll keep leading our team from the sidelines.

“It is heartbreaking to end the season like this, when all you want to do is be on the court with the team and keep fighting for finals this season.

“In basketball you have the highest of highs and the lowest of lows. The important thing is that no matter which point you’re at, you have a great team and supporters around you, and I’m grateful to have that.”

The JackJumpers' Nominated Replacement Player is Brody Nunn.

Tasmania next play the Sydney Kings at Qudos Bank Arena on Thursday at 7.30pm (AEDT).