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But the American coach also had one eye on the future, revealing the majority of his title-winning squad would return next season.
“We have a vision of keeping this group together but let’s just enjoy the moment and see where it leads us, and not get too far ahead of ourselves,” Roth said.
Tasmania JackJumpers coach Scott Roth gets an impromptu ice shower from his players after the NBL title win.Credit: Getty
“Sometimes there’s tough decisions to be made that aren’t overly popular, and that’s my responsibility.
“But in my last three years here and moving into next year, I want to leave this place with something that’s in really good shape.”
Roth has stirred emotion inside Tasmanians with his “defend the island” catchcry since taking the reins as the JackJumpers’ inaugural coach three years ago.
“These (players) are young and it’s a hell of an accomplishment, but for me, my satisfaction comes from giving back and having people celebrate this team,” Roth said.
Jordon Crawford celebrates after spearheading the Tasmanian JackJumpers to their upset win over Melbourne United in the five-match final series. Credit: Gettt Images
“We hit a nerve with Tasmania in the first year and the fans just kept coming, and the relationship between us and the fans has been ginormous over the last three years.
“To give something back to the state is hugely gratifying.
“I’ve always said I don’t count myself as a coach – more of a mentor – and to give something back to the state will hopefully be part of my legacy there.”
United earned home-court advantage for the Championship Series and won the first of three Melbourne games by 23 points, but coughed up the final two in tight contests.
In just their third season, the Tasmanian JackJumpers were crowned NBL champions.Credit: Getty Images
The final four games of the series were decided by a combined total of just 11 points.
Crawford was the hero for Tasmania but had plenty of support from Jack McVeigh (14 points, eight rebounds), Will Magnay (11, 12) and Milton Doyle (11,10).
Each of Melbourne’s five starters reached double figures, led by Jo Lual-Acuil Jr (14 points), Matthew Dellavedova, Chris Goulding and Luke Travers (13 each).
Dellavedova, who won an NBA championship with Cleveland in 2016, had a last-gasp chance to pinch the decider for Melbourne, but his long-range attempt at a buzzer-beater hit the backboard and rimmed out.
Lual-Acuil set the tone for an explosive first quarter with a huge dunk under pressure from Magnay and Doyle to open the scoring.
Melbourne United’s Matthew Dellavedova comes to terms with the loss.Credit: Getty Images
Travers had 11 points to his name as Melbourne built a double-figure lead inside five minutes. United held a 31-26 advantage at quarter-time after Goulding’s buzzer-beating three-pointer.
But Crawford’s scintillating 19-point first period on perfect shooting, including four triples, kept Tasmania firmly in the contest.
He remained perfect from long range with his fifth three-pointer, which put Tasmania ahead for the first time, two minutes before half-time.
Jack McVeigh drives to the basket for the JackJumpers in game five of the NBL championship series.Credit: Getty
Goulding hurt his right knee in a collision with Majok Deng and racked up three fouls before half-time, as one of a host of players from both teams in foul trouble.
Scores were locked at 44-44 at the main break as Crawford’s personal tally swelled to 27 points.
The first half’s dominant figure went cold in the third quarter, throwing up four shots – all of them unsuccessful – as a tense battle continued at both ends of the floor.
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Melbourne burst out of the blocks in the fourth quarter with a 7-2 run that drove a nine-point wedge between the teams.
But Crawford responded with the next five points and Tasmania were level again in the blink of an eye.
The JackJumpers got five points up, but Goulding’s ridiculous off-balance three with four seconds left ensured the game went down to the buzzer.
Melbourne pinched an in-bounds pass and Dellavedova heaved a potential game-winner that missed, sparking wild scenes among the travelling Tasmania fans.
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