Tasmania’s NBL journey is a giant fairytale consisting of some unbelievable stories. As the JackJumpers battle with the Sydney Kings in the Grand Final series, Clint Steindl’s contribution deserves some of the spotlight.
When the 15-man Tasmania JackJumpers playing group voted for an official leader in the pre-season, the result was unanimous.
An incredible honour, Perth Wildcats recruit Clint Steindl undoubtedly had widespread internal support in the franchise’s inaugural season.
Two-time NBL champion Steindl is the unsung hero that quietly goes about his business each game and consistently delivers.
Across 28 games this season, the 33-year-old averages 9.25 points per game, 2.42 rebounds with 40% field goal percentage. But the numbers only tell part of the story.
Where did Clint Steindl come from?
Steindl is a natural leader, bringing some winning culture from the west, plus 10 years of professional basketball experience.
The forward has accumulated 283 games over his career, with stints at Cairns (2012 – 2014), Townsville (2014 – 2016) and Perth (2017 – 2021).
He was part of the dynasty at the Wildcats when they won the championship in 2019 and 2020.
“I’ve learnt from some of the best (at Perth), and I often reflect on what those guys would say,” Steindl said about his time in Perth.
Embed from Getty Images“I know what it takes to get that ultimate success and I want to set those standards here and give Tasmania a team to be really proud of.”
JackJumpers coach Scott Roth, who was previously an assistant coach with the Wildcats, said Steindl sets the benchmark for the team.
“I’ve known Clint for a long time and he has always been a natural leader,” Roth said in the pre-season when Steindl was named captain.
“He sets the standards both on and off the court and holds himself to high account and he holds others to the same.
“He knows what it takes to build a championship-winning culture and expect success.
Steindl’s contribution in Tasmania
At the JackJumpers, Steindl has helped build a culture with a team of underdogs that no one expected to even make the play-offs, let alone get to the grand final.
Tasmania will come up against the much-fancied Sydney Kings, with the two sides playing with contrasting styles.
His side play a structured, defensive, hard-nosed style of basketball and try to use their physicality to slow down the tempo of the game.
The Kings play fast, attacking basketball and have a team full of stars who play with plenty of confidence and bravado.
Everyone loves an underdog and the JackJumpers have produced one of the best sporting fairytales of all time.
And while Josh Adams is the JackJumpers’ go-to scoring option, Steindl’s role will be vital to their success against Sydney.
If Tasmania get up, it’ll be his third NBL title in four seasons. In sport, only so much is coincidental.
