Tasmania JackJumpers NBL triumph over Melbourne United met with roaring response from Ant Army

Tasmania JackJumpers fans have turned out in their thousands to celebrate a moment of glory after the team secured their maiden NBL championship title in Melbourne on Sunday night.

The young team, which claimed ultimate glory in just its third NBL season, defeated Melbourne United in the five-game championship series, winning the final game 83-81.

Among the crowd at the home arena celebration at Hobart's Derwent Entertainment Centre was Nic Moltow, who had his forehead signed by team captain Clint Steindl.

Mr Moltow admitted it was a decision made entirely in the moment.

"They did a fantastic job out there, and I think spur of the moment is what they represent," he said.

The excitement was matched by pair Cam Mann and Arielle Abrahams, who said they were 'ecstatic" about the Jackies' victory.

"I nearly cried," Mr Mann said.

"It's the best thing ever, a good feeling. The best thing for the state."

Excitement palpable

Earlier on Monday, the Tasmania JackJumpers touched down in Hobart to a heroes' welcome.

"My anxiety was through the roof in the last minute," young fan Lachlan Mahonney said of the match.

He said it was "just an amazing feeling" when the final buzzer sounded.

His mother Jaqueline was equally thrilled to see her team seal the deal, with a bet with her family meaning she's now set for her very first JackJumpers-themed tattoo.

"A bet's a bet," she said.

"We've watched every single game. We just love the Jackies. I'm happy to get a tattoo."

Tassie united over team win

For foundation fan Merrin Prins, the win was a feat years in the making.

Immediately after the match, Ms Prins and her family watched the replay to relive the success they'd just seen.

"We signed up before the team was formed and we used to go to [former NBL club Hobart Devils games], as members, so this is a full circle [moment]," Ms Prins said.

Since the Tasmania JackJumpers entered the National Basketball League in 2021, reaching the championship series in their very first season, interest in the sport has skyrocketed.

Fighting until the end

Speaking on court after Sunday night's win, an emotional team coach Scott Roth had a clear message for the Ant Army.

"We defended the island for you. It was our motto," he said.

Roth said the club's quick success was down to its fans.

"They're tough-minded people, they love that island with a passion, they're tired of getting punched down on and they needed something to rally around," he said.

"And the timing of us being in there afforded us to be the team they wrapped their arms around.

"This little island just got defended."

It was a sentiment echoed by player Jack McVeigh, who's mid-court shot in the final two seconds of game three put the JackJumpers on the brink of their maiden title.

Awarded the Larry Sengstock Trophy as the most valuable player in the championship series, McVeigh acknowledged the support the team had felt from its passionate fans.

"I'm so grateful," he said.

"Thank you to Tasmania for embracing a kid from Caba [Cabarita Beach, NSW]. The skinny kid with slow feet, somehow standing up on this stage."

Jordon Crawford, who scored a series-high 32 points, agreed.

"That's what it's about, Jackies basketball, fighting til the end," he said.

"Grate and grind, this one's for Tassie."

Win added to city mural

In Hobart's inner city the win was being celebrated with an addition to the JackJumpers' mural in Bidencopes Lane, created after the team's victory in game three earlier in the series.

Artists Joel Imber and Rhys Williams said it easy to decide what to paint.

"It started initially with those words 'island defended'," Imber said.

He said there was no doubt Sunday night's win was "huge" for Tasmania.

"Particularly for aspirational young people, or anyone really.

"That's what is really important, that young people can look up and have a dream and know that if you work hard enough it can come true."