The Tasmania JackJumpers' success in their inaugural NBL season is having a ripple effect around the state.
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North Basketball development officer Sam Adams was stoked to report numbers were up at a recent school holidays camp at Launceston's Elphin Sports Centre.
The two-day Basketball Tasmania clinic was about skill development and having fun.
"Our numbers are up partially because of the JackJumpers and their success," Adams said.
"We were nearly up to 50 for our region, which was awesome. Last time, we were about 30.
"Kids are finding a love of the game which is really cool."
Adams elaborated on the JackJumpers' influence in the North.
"What they've done has been awesome, to make play-offs in their first season," he said.
"You just feel the energy here in Launnie with the kids.
"You're seeing jerseys everywhere. You're seeing a positive vibe from families just to do anything in basketball, which is really cool."
He was pleased to see the NBL team play games at the Silverdome this season.
"Absolutely, it helps they're connected to the community and they value who Tasmanians are as people," he said.
"You can see that because the fans are giving back to the JackJumpers and basketball."
Adams, who also coaches the under-18 boys' state side, had high praise for the team's effort at nationals in Ballarat this past month.
They defeated NSW Country 94-80 in the bronze medal match.
"They were an amazing group of boys to coach and punched above their weight all week and were rewarded with the bronze medal, which was really cool," he said.
"It's a huge achievement for them.
"They bought into the camps before we went away and worked really hard for me.
"Just understanding and executing their individual role for the week was a huge reason we were successful."
Adams, who recently moved to Launceston from Queanbeyan, has been impressed by Tassie's junior players.
"Particularly the offensive skill sets and IQ of the players in Tasmania has been awesome," he said.
"It's makes coaching easy when they've got smarts about how they play and their offensive structures are really good."
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