Vasiljevic knows JackJumpers are chasing revenge in grand final replay

The last time the Sydney Kings and Tasmania JackJumpers shared the court at Qudos Bank Arena, the former claimed its fourth NBL championship in May.

Since then, the Kings have set the pace in NBL23 and sit on the top of the ladder with a 10-3 record after 10 rounds.

While the JackJumpers are just behind in fifth with a 7-6 record.

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With all that being considered, Kings guard Dejan Vasiljevic, who was key in the Hoops Capital's title run in NBL22, expects a hungry Ants side on Sunday.

"I expect the JJs to come out and play hard against us," Vasiljevic said,

"I believe they see this game as a revenge for the finals last year, so they are going to be prepared.

"Scott Roth has done an unbelievable job in establishing a culture in Tassie and no matter who they recruit everyone buys in, so we are prepared for a fiery intense game come Sunday."

The harbour city side comes into the round 10 fixture fresh off a gutsy win against the Breakers in New Zealand on Thursday.

"I think we played great team defence [against New Zealand] - we were getting through screens, rebounded the ball well, and executed the scout perfectly," the Miami University alum said.

"Offensively, there are still a few things we need to touch up, especially in the fourth quarter, but at the end of the day, we got the win on the road against a good team.

"Me, on the other hand, there’s a seal on the rim, none of my threes are falling right now.

"But with that being said, that doesn’t stop me from playing defence, rebounding the ball, and creating for my teammates.

"It’s frustrating that the ball isn’t going in but when you're first on the ladder and winning I couldn't care less."

This Sunday the Kings celebrate the NBL’s Indigenous Round when they take on the Tasmania JackJumpers for a Grand Final rematch!

Be there early to see pre-game performance from Dallas Woods and cultural performances throughout the day.

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— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) December 6, 2022

As Vasiljevic touches on, the main thing he and his team care about is winning, so he is stoked with where they are sitting halfway through their NBL22 title defence - especially heading into a busy second-half schedule.

"It’s really important [to be sitting where we are]," he said.

"We are heading into a schedule where we play high-level teams, both home and away, so we have to take care of business.

"Since the NBL introduced the play in the play-in tournament, we know that we have to finish top two so we avoid any unnecessary drama before playoffs."

To that, Sunday and Tasmania are the main focus of Vasiljevic and his Kings, as they look to solidify the top spot.

"Taking care of the ball would be number one key [against Tasmania], as they play an aggressive style of defence with hard shows and team defence," he said.

"Most importantly, is just executing the scout that Chase [Buford] and the coaches want us to do."

This Sunday's clash against the JackJumpers will be a grand final rematch and our annual NBL Indigenous Round fixture.
To mark the special occasion, Hoops Capital has invited numerous community groups, including the PCYC NSW, to join in the celebrations
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— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) December 8, 2022

The December 11 clash will also mark the club's annual home Indgidenous Round fixture, where they'll wear specially designed Stewart James jerseys.

"I love the Indigenous Round and in all honesty, our Indigenous Jersey is our best jersey," said the sharpshooter, who is averaging 12.23 points, 4.08 rebounds and 1.54 assists this season.

"Last year as a team, we wanted to wear those jerseys for the entire season but the league didn’t allow it.

"To learn the culture and tradition also interests me because I am an immigrant in this country and I live on Aboriginal land, so I am grateful and love to understand the whole history behind it."

Tickets to Sunday's grand final replay can be purchased here.