Tasmania JackJumpers captain Will Magnay has been ruled out for the remainder of NBL26 after suffering a broken toe during Saturday’s loss to Melbourne United.
Scans revealed an acute fracture of the second toe on his left foot, sustained in the dying minutes of the HoopsFest clash in Perth.
The 26-year-old said he felt a pop when he jumped to block an opponent’s shot.
“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,” Magnay said.
“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 injury won’t require surgery, with recovery to be managed by the club’s high performance team.
JackJumpers general manager of basketball operations Darren Smith confirmed the news was devastating for the defending NBL24 champions.
“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,” Smith said.
“But in true Magnay style, he’ll keep leading our team from the sidelines.”
Magnay had been in career-best form this season, averaging 10.1 points, 7.1 rebounds and shooting 53% from the field.
His standout performance came against Melbourne United at MyStateBank Arena in early January.
The loss is a cruel blow for Tasmania, who had finally found their rhythm after an injury-plagued start to the season that saw Magnay miss time in November with a knee issue.
The JackJumpers sit sixth at 12-14 and face an uphill battle to secure finals without their defensive anchor and Paris Olympian.
Brody Nunn has been named as Magnay’s replacement player.
Tasmania hit the road to face Sydney Kings on Thursday before returning home to take on reigning champions Illawarra Hawks.
