Like Bryce?: Its early but are the signs foreshadowing Craig Randall II following the path of the import king? - Photo credit to Adelaide 36ers
4-Minute Read
The Cross-Over-Dribble Dossier
Adelaide 36ers vs. Tasmania Jack-Jumpers
The Rundown
Lag, looseness and lack of energy from the opening tip as Tassie put on a 0-9 run through Magette and Doyle – from there the Sixers clearly while fit enough to run out the forty minutes were not able to execute or connect.
What the numbers said
In a strange twist to opening games for the Sixers – it was the imports that led the scoring overall with 42 of their 72 points – thats the most in a debut game since the three import rule returned in 2016/17 when they got 29 points out of Jacob Wiley, Adris Deleon and Ramone Moore in their opening game of 2018/2019.
The Sixers had 16 turnovers and gave up 24 points to their opposition – compounding that was just two fast break point for the entire match.
What the coach said
“There was a little bit of disconnect and mindset and approach,” CJ Bruton said.
Adelaide 36ers 72 (Randall 18, Franks 14, Cleveland 10, Dech 8) defeated by Tasmania JackJumpers 97 (Magette 23, Kelly 19, Doyle 16, McVeigh 12, Weeks 11, White 9) at Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Adelaide 36ers vs. Illawarra Hawks
The Rundown
The perfect way to correct the compass was for the 36ers to break the Hawks six game winning streak over them. It was former Hawk Cleveland and Captain McCarron that set the tone from the start. When challenged Adelaide found a way to lodge their first win of the season.
What the numbers said
The Sixers started the opening quarter with five fast break points to signal their intention early. The numbers that increased from game one though were +9 in fast break points, +8 in points from turnovers and shot 58.3 percent inside the paint – that was +4.8 up.
McCarron had another sensational night with 8 points, 8 rebounds including 3 offensive rebounds and 3 assists – he’ll need some consideration in some future Cal Bruton medal voting at my end.
The biggest statistic that did matter that was seen came from Craig Randall II. On 11 points at three quarter time with 2/7 from beyond the arc, he finished with 28 points with 6/13 – thats a last quarter of 17 points with 4/6 beyond.
He stayed patient – waited for his moment then struck hard…
What the coach said
“I have so much talent on my bench, you haven’t seen Kyrin Galloway yet, you haven’t seen much of Kai, or Hyrum Harris and Sunday (Dech) didn’t play much tonight either.
“But being able to have the depth allows teams to win championships and you are going to need it throughout the season.”
Adelaide 36ers 90 (Randall 28, Cleveland, Franks 16, Johnson 10, Drmic 9, McCarron 8) defeated Illawarra Hawks 80 (Deng 18, Harvey 16, Froling 12, Dent 11, Coenraad, King 8) at Adelaide Entertainment Centre
Sydney Kings vs Adelaide 36ers
The Rundown
A real quality game of basketball from both sides with plenty of drama pre and post game and showed both sides may be up there contending at the other end. What was really pleasing was the Sixers ability to stay mostly composed (the last play may have left a little to be desired) and find the right shot at the key moment.
I could see the similarities again Randall showed to the reigning import of the league – and thats particularly exciting…
What the numbers said
All numbers were extremely even across the board which if you watched the game was no surprise except one set – The Sixers shot 14/35 from beyond the arc compared to the the Kings 6/28.
Potentially this might have been the difference especially with 0-4 coming to Adelaide’s favour in the last quarter.
Its a 4.2 percent increase already this season in shooting percentage from the perimeter – a change in previous Sixers execution of offence.
What the coach said
“I keep reminding my players that every minute you’re out there to give us your best because we have guys who haven’t touched the floor yet and when they do, they’ll be ready.”
“This is our first road win, we have two wins in a row now, so we are ticking boxes, so we are setting goals now for our team, that’s where I’m at.
“As for the outside noise, that’s for you guys to keep talking and to keep building that up.”
Sydney Kings 88 (Walton Jnr 23, Vasiljevic 15, Noi, Simon 12, Cooks 9) defeated by Adelaide 36ers 92 (Randall 24, Johnson 17, Cleveland, McCarron 15, Franks 13) at Qudos Bank Arena
Catch all the action Friday night as the 36ers take on the New Zealand Breakers at the AEC on Cluch Radio with Tristan “TP” Prentice and our special comments guest whether you’re at the game or watching from home
Please continue to support SA basketball news and features content being written as well as national/international with the Pick and Roll – with our recent influx of work we are making content all free to read again but need constant contributions to make this happen. If not keen to subscribe then please message to receive direct debit details
CROSS OVER DRIBBLE 