Under the radar, over the radar, or somewhere in between - it doesn't faze Tasmania JackJumpers captain Clint Steindl.
The expansion side stunned most fans and captured the imagination of many with their run to the NBL grand final series in their inaugural season in the competition in 2021-22.
They backed it up with another top-four finish in their second campaign, spurred by coach Scott Roth's mantra of "Defend the island".
Their start to the 2023-24 league has been equally impressive, with four wins from six starts including two over the defending champion Sydney Kings.
Tasmania registered their highest score in a 105-95 result over the Kings in Sydney on Sunday.
"I don't really know whether we're flying under the radar or over the radar," Steindl told reporters on Monday.
"We just go about our business without worrying about end results.
"We're loving being around each other. That's what is getting us through, making us successful.
"Whether it is being underrated or overrated … we play the same way."
The JackJumpers' start after six games is the best in their short history, compared to 2-4 in 2021-22 and 3-3 in 2022-23.
Imports Milton Doyle and Jordon Crawford have starred, with the latter picking up 32 points against the Kings including four consecutive three-pointers to open the final period.
Forward Majok Deng has added a point of difference after signing from Cairns.
Point guard Crawford joined Tasmania for this season after leading Turkey's Basketbol Super Ligi in scoring with an average of 19.6 points per game.
"He's a competitor. He understands what he needs to do out on the floor," Steindl said.
"He understands how to play within the system and he's playing very aggressively."
The JackJumpers host heavyweights Melbourne United, who they've already beaten this season, on Friday before travelling to Brisbane to play the Bullets on Monday.
"If you want to be a championship team you've got to win on the road," Steindl said.
"We've picked up a couple now early on in the season, Sydney and Melbourne.
"You've just got to keep building on that. This league is too good. If you don't show up you can get beaten."
