If Jack McVeigh isn’t eccentric, his take on life is at least a little off kilter.
It’s why his cheeky analogy, before his first game in Tasmania since signing with Cairns after guiding the JackJumpers to a title two seasons ago, didn’t surprise.
He had the last laugh after the Taipans sprung a 75-69 upset at Launceston on Saturday, just their third win in 11 games this year.
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“It (build up) has definitely been funny because it’s not like I’m an ex where I’m stalking their Instagram and get mad when they’re doing well,” he told the broadcast pre game.
“It’s like when you’re best friends and go your separate ways, and you always check in and are cheering.
“Tonight I’m battling some of my best friends and I’m looking forward to it.
“I’m always trying to win and for me it’s a couple of individual match ups. (Jackies guard) Nick Marshall and I have been great friends for years so whenever we get to play on the big stage (against each other) I’m looking forward to that.”
McVeigh finished with 23 points, with Andrew Andrews (27 points) and Admiral Schofield (18) also huge for the visitors.
MCVEIGH SILENCES HIS OLD FANS
McVeigh, who nailed huge clutch shots in the 2023-24 finals against Melbourne to guide Tasmania to a maiden title, took no time to settle in. He his first two shots of the night from long range to help get the visitors off to a much-needed fast start.
It was just the second first quarter the battling Taipans, last with 2-8 record before the match, had won all season.
Schofield (13), McVeigh (eight) and Andrews (17) scored all bar two of Cairns’ 40 first half points.
The JackJumpers were simply woeful on the offensive end in the first half, and were lucky to be down just nine points at the main break. They shot 2-9 from three point territory compared to Cairns’ 7-17, shot 33 per cent from the field and hit just one of their first six three throws in their lowest-scoring first half for the season.
Import Bryce Hamilton (21 points, six assists, six rebounds) tried valiantly to carry the JackJumpers, while Will Magnay (ten points ten rebounds) and Josh Bannan (12 points, 12 rebounds) racked up double-doubles.
TAIPANS BOSS BITES AT REFS
Cairns coach Adam Forde has always worn his heart on his sleeve, and his courtside theatrics for most referee calls against his side were constant.
Former JackJumper Marcus Lee was given a technical foul for flopping in the second term, and had to head to the bench after picking up a third before half time.
Asked about the officiating just before the second half, Forde said:
“Marcus Lee took a hell of a charge and they decided to tech it, we can’t challenge it and there’s nothing you can do. I’ve got to concentrate on my job, I can’t be concentrating on everyone else’s.”
HOMECOMING TO FORGET FOR SMITH
His team got the win but individually, it was a night Ulverstone product Reyne Smith would prefer to erase from his memory.
Back in his home state, the Taipans sharpshooter took just two shots and was scoreless before an ankle injury ended his night just before half-time.
It’s a major concern for the already injury-hampered Taipans, given Smith missed all of the pre-season with a calf concern.
They’ll be hopeful it’s not too serious as they need everyone on deck to try and revive their season.
“He’s out, this is what we talked about with adversity,” Forde said at halftime.
“The basketball gods are testing us with the injuries and the officiating, and if we can rise above it that’s what we want.”
SILVERDOME WOES CONTINUE
The JackJumpers are now 2-7 at their Launceston ‘home away from home’ after Saturday’s result.
Against a bottom ranked team they were expected to beat, they officially now have the ‘yips’ in Tasmania’s north.
Their season ledger is now even at 5-5 before they play again at the Silverdome against South-East Phoenix on Thursday night.
Still on the venue, the announcement much needed and overdue upgrades will be completed in time will be music to the ears of players and fans.
The air conditioning wasn’t working on Saturday night which made the ball slippery at times, simply substandard for a league that is now highly professional.
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