High Praise For Tasmania JackJumpers Import Marcus Lee Ahead Of Kings Showdown

An assistant coach for the Tasmania JackJumpers offers nothing but admiration for the new recruit, despite the fact that he has only played one game in the team's colors.

Mark Radford, an assistant coach for the Tasmania JackJumpers, thinks star immigrant Marcus Lee has what it takes to be a top player in the NBL.

The American will make his MyState Bank Arena debut on Friday against the Sydney Kings, and Radford has been effusive in his praise of the 29-year-old forward, saying that he has "all the potential" to become one of the league's must-watch players.

"I've said to Marcus that he can be one of the best players in the league," Radford said. "I think he has what it takes."

"I believe that he has so much room for growth, and there is no question that it will take some time. We are expecting him to play a role that is very different from what he has done so far in his professional career, one that involves a great deal more pressure and movement about the court.

"It's unusual to see a guy who's 6 feet 11 inches tall defending full court, but he's actually one of the best athletes in the league, and I can see him progressing if he wants to."

"He has the talent to be one of the finest players in the league if that is something he wants to do. Because we believe he has a lot of potential, we are going to take care of him in that manner.

Radford is of the opinion that Lee will only be able to realize his full potential if he is able to fully buy into the grit and grind philosophy that has established the foundation of the JackJumpers' gameplay from the very beginning.

"His ability to believe in himself and a 40 minute effort (is key)," stated Radford. "The key is a 40 minute effort."

"The grit and grind mindset is the backbone of the JackJumpers franchise, and all he needs to do is become used to playing the game that way. To advance to the next level, I don't believe there are any substantial hurdles to overcome.

It's simply a matter of time before he finds his groove in that particular brand of basketball.

Everyone on the court has remarked to us how intimidating he is.

Radford noted that the JackJumpers needed to play at a high level throughout the entire game in order to overcome the Kings' high tempo after falling behind the Perth Wildcats by six points in the opening round.

He stated, "It was obvious from watching them (Sydney) at the blitz that they play really fast."

They won the first two years, it's obvious, but I think this year's team is even more nimble and athletic. Even though they aren't as excellent of a shooting squad without D.J. Hogg, they play a highly rapid style of basketball that is significantly different from ours.

There can't be any dips in our intensity during the night. They can't afford to have ups and downs against a systematic squad like ours, and we can't afford to have them against them.

To paraphrase: "You don't want to get punched in the nose early and that won't happen."