Deep impact: Vasiljevic backs 36ers’ depth

With star shooters like Bryce Cotton and DJ Vasiljevic, it is easy for the spotlight to fall squarely on them. But the Adelaide 36ers have issued a warning to rivals — their depth can do just as much damage.

That was on full display Wednesday night at the CODE Sports NBL Blitz, where new recruits Flynn Cameron (16 points), Isaac White (20 points, 5/8 from three) and young Tom Kubank (14 points, 4/6 from three) tore through the Illawarra Hawks.

“It’s always a next man mentality … just giving these younger guys a shot,” DJ Vasiljevic told CODE Sports.

“You look at Flynn and Isaac and they’ve got a bit of the underdog mentality and previous teams haven’t used them as well as they’re capable in the past … I think they can get that out of playing here in Adelaide.”

Cameron is tipped to play a pivotal role for the 36ers. He showed flashes of potential across two seasons at Melbourne United but saw limited opportunities behind veterans Matthew Dellavedova and Shea Ili.

Following a standout FIBA Asia Cup campaign with the Tall Blacks, where he averaged 15 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists and 1.2 steals, the 25-year-old enters the season brimming with confidence.

“I just think (it’s) growth … as you get older you mature,” Vasiljevic continued.

“He took three or four questionable shots and then he learnt that and apologised in the change-rooms.

“He comes out and gets two threes wide open which are good shots. It’s just maturing as he gets older.”

Vasiljevic stressed that roster depth would be crucial to the Adelaide 36ers’ success this year, especially with stars like Bryce Cotton and Montrezl Harrell yet to suit up in the pre-season.

“It helps when you’ve got shooters around,” he added, pointing to more scoring options taking the pressure off Adelaide’s marquee men to fire every week.

The 36ers face Perth on Friday night, with coverage live from 8pm AEST on Disney+ and Kayo.

View the full video here >> 36ers skipper on pre-season and Cotton