Bruton Defends Randall II

Adelaide 36ers coach CJ Bruton has been quick to defend star import Craig Randall II after his body language drew attention during the season opener.

While Randall II led the Sixers in scoring with 18 points in the 97-72 loss to the Tasmania JackJumpers, his questionable shot selection and disengaged body language was a talking point throughout the clash.

When asked about his point guard's body language, coach Bruton stated it was “water off a duck’s back”, and assured the relationship they have built allows him to know who Randall II is as a person and the value he can add to the group.

“For Craig, since I’ve known him, yes, his body language is a certain way, which you guys can pick up on and you’ll see it a lot,” Bruton said.

“For me, understanding the person who he is and how he can help contribute to the group is what I care about.”

Randall II signed with the 36ers after winning the 2022 NBA Summer League championship with the Portland Trail Blazers. His 35-point explosion in the club’s NBLxNBA win over the Phoenix Suns was a showcase of his incredible scoring ability.

It’s no doubt hype has surrounded Adelaide since that 134-124 win over the Suns, when they become the first NBL team to defeat an NBA team.

While jet lag from the trip remains, Bruton is implementing a no excuses policy.

“I guess coming back to the NBL the physicality is real,” he said.

"(The jet lag) would be an excuse…but I’ve said all along for myself, not speaking for the team, my wife will tell you that I’ve slept most days in the middle of the day and woken up at two o’clock in the morning not knowing where I’m at

“We’ve done something that was great for basketball, it was great for our league, for our club and our team, and right now we need to come back and switch into the NBL mode and be ready to go.”

The 36ers have a chance to bounce back on Saturday night against the Illawarra Hawks.