Winless 36ers embrace challenge

Saturday, September 23, 2023

"We have had injuries, we have had sickness and we are trying out some different looks with new players."

Critics have been quick to pile on the Adelaide 36ers, following a winless Hungry Jack’s NBL Blitz campaign.

A 37-11 first quarter against the Perth Wildcats was clearly the low-point for CJ Bruton’s men, but they fought back strongly against an experienced JackJumpers outfit, pushing them to within four points.

Of course, it’s hard to replace that winning feeling, but Bruton says the focus has always been on Round 1.

“Everyone was all smiles the past two years when we won in the pre-season, but that didn’t relate to the success we were after,” he said.

It’s a great point. In the 36ers’ most recent season, they won the Blitz and famously knocked over the Phoenix Suns not long after. They finished eighth on the NBL standings, even with what looked a star-studded lineup.

So you can understand why even though it was far from the ideal preparation on the Gold Coast, Adelaide has bigger fish to fry.

“We have always been planning for the start of the NBL season,” Bruton said.

“It was great to see some new bodies in different positions and we made some adjustments.

“The past few weeks haven’t been ideal, we have had injuries, we have had sickness and we are trying out some different looks with new players, which we can do as it’s pre-season.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">McCarron catching fire this second half ?<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreSixers?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreSixers</a> <a href="https://t.co/1DIcrJVkVT">pic.twitter.com/1DIcrJVkVT</a></p>— Adelaide 36ers (@Adelaide36ers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Adelaide36ers/status/1704773822950638030?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 21, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Among the positives across the Blitz, the form of Mitch McCarron, who went close to a triple-double against Tasmania, and big man Isaac Humphries, who was a constant threat in the paint.

Next Star Trentyn Flowers also showed great improvement as the tournament went on.

The 36ers have some key players to return too. Jacob Wiley missed two games at the Blitz due to calf tightness, Jason Cadee was out of game three with a finger injury and Trey Kell sat out all three matches with a knee injury.

That’s vital experience Adelaide will welcome dearly when they travel to take on the Brisbane Bullets on Friday, September 29.

“It’s been a struggle, but this is what makes a team,” Bruton added.

“We have been challenged and you have to embrace that challenge.”

Fans can watch the 36ers’ season-opener and every game of the NBL24 season, live on ESPN via Kayo & Foxtel.