When Scott Roth was appointed inaugural coach of the Tasmania JackJumpers, Clint Steindl was near the top of his recruiting tree.
On Saturday, the 34-year-old forward will take to the court for his 300th NBL game when Tasmania meet the Adelaide 36ers on the road.
Steindl has been the JackJumpers' skipper since their debut season in 2021-22 when they stunned pundits with a run to the grand final series.
Steindl signed from the Perth Wildcats where he overlapped with Roth's stint as an assistant coach.
"When I took this job he was one of the guys who was at the top of my list," Roth told reporters on Thursday.
"How he carries himself on and off the floor, his professionalism, were all huge factors why I wanted him with me.
"I thought it was a chance for him to grow. To get out of Perth and become the captain here."
Steindl's journey to 300 began at the Cairns Taipans in 2012-13, before a shift to the Townsville Crocodiles and four seasons at Perth which netted two championships.
He also had professional stints in Belgium and Greece and played college basketball in America for St. Mary's from 2008-12.
"The best part about playing this many games is meeting the people along the way … and being able to share the journey with people close to me," Steindl said.
"When I first started out in Cairns it was myself, my parents and my sister.
"Now I get to share it with my wife and two kids. For me, that's the best part."
The JackJumpers (5-4) have been a touch up-and-down this season, notching an early two wins against reigning champions Sydney before dropping back-to-back games.
They notched a tight two-point win over the Brisbane Bullets on Saturday.
Steindl and Roth both called on the squad to lift their defensive discipline and intensity - a hallmark of Tasmania's three seasons to date.
"It is one major imprint we need to back … making teams play in the mud," Steindl said.
"That is going to be through deflections, being physical."
Adelaide (3-6) sit third-last on the ladder but have won two of their past three games.
