Tasmania JackJumpers coach Scott Roth believes big man Will Magnay has further heights to reach, in an ominous message for their NBL rivals.
Magnay, who has been hampered by injury in recent years, starred in Tasmania's 92-76 seeding qualifier finals win over the Illawarra Hawks on Wednesday night.
They'll next face the Perth Wildcats in a best-of-three play-off starting on March 8, with the winner to progress to the best-of-five championship series.
Magnay played 30 minutes against Illawarra, picking up 25 points, 10 rebounds and four blocks, after a shoulder injury in the opening play forced centre Marcus Lee off the court.
Magnay played one NBA game with New Orleans before returning to the NBL with the Perth Wildcats to complete the 2020/21 season.
Roth put a lid on talk of the 25-year-old getting a second crack at the American league, but indicated there was still more to come.
"He's not back yet. It's a continuous process for him," Roth said.
"His presence around the rim is undeniable, his ability to roll is undeniable. But just right now it is one step at a time.
"These things (NBA and other honours) take care of themselves. You can't get too far down the road."
Magnay said it was the best he had felt physically in a long time, crediting the JackJumpers' medical and support staff.
"Their message to me is 'you're not back and you've got to keep working'," he said.
"I relish in the moments of everyday practice, people getting around me, a lot of people telling me they're proud of me.
"That sort of stuff means more than being able to run around and dunk the ball.
"It has been tough and there have been highs and lows but the support I've had from this club and every person in that locker room ... has been unwavering and amazing."
Roth was optimistic Lee would be fit for Perth, with the starter likely suffering a pinched nerve.
The Hawks have a second bite of the cherry with an elimination play-in finals game against the New Zealand Breakers.
