Footy star’s front-row seat to NBL's incredible drama

22 Oct 2026

adelaide 36ers

Crows vice-captain Ben Keays reflects on his basketball roots and explains why the Bryce Cotton–Kendric Davis rivalry is good for the NBL.

By

NBL.com.au

Adelaide Crows vice-captain Ben Keays might be a star on the football field, but the lively forward grew up surrounded by basketball.

“My love for hoops has been forever,” Keays said on NBL Now, presented by CODE Sports.

“My dad grew up in Melbourne… and he played with the likes of Shane Froling and Grant Cadee, so some strong names there.

“I grew up in Brisbane, and I went to primary school with Derek Rucker’s son Jalen… we were pretty much inseparable there.

“We played basketball together, and football and through that was able to get some fantastic access to the Brisbane Bullets through Derek and eventually watch the Bullets win a championship in[2006-07].”

The 29-year-old started his AFL career at the Brisbane Lions, before moving to Adelaide at the end of 2019 to join the Crows.

It was a move that saw him end up following the 36ers closely and reignited his love for the NBL.

Keays and his teammates had a front-row seat for the 36ers’ deep post-season run last year, which saw Bryce Cotton and Kendric Davis begin one of the most talked-about rivalries in recent times.

“It’s crucial to the growth of the game,” Keays said about Davis.

“I think with him, it’s all genuine. He is so passionate and genuine to want to be the best, and the rivalry he’s building.”

While some fans have been vocal in their takes on the battle between the star guards, Keays believes it’s all good news for basketball in Australia.

“I just see it as a positive for the sport, and I know he’s definitely rubbed some Adelaide fans the wrong way and rightly so,” he added.

“I think it lifts the level of teams like Adelaide who see that and want to go out and beat them.

“As we saw the last time the 36ers played the Kings, how they lifted after being in a bit of a rough patch.

“It’s certainly enjoyable to watch, and I hope it continues for the entertainment value.”

The 36ers next play South East Melbourne at John Cain Arena from 7.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN, 9 (in Melbourne and Adelaide), 9Go! and 9Now.