Record Low: The Wildcats have not lost five in a row since 2005 until Thursday night. The Ex championship 36ers player John Rillie has lots of pressure on him - but his team has a habit in our historical clashes biting back hard after records like that tumble - Photo credit to news.com and NBL
3-Minute Read
NBL ROUND 6
Adelaide 36ers vs Perth Wildcats
When: 7:30pm (ACDT), Saturday 5 November
Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre – The Ken Cole-seum
Broadcast: Kayo Freebies, ESPN, www.nbl.com.au
SWOOP BACK IN HISTORY
Game 1 Grand Final Series 2014/2015: Brendan who?
Not only was game one a classic NBL Grand Final match but it also completed the rise of Brendan Teys from 10th man to Joey Wright’s equivalent of the Wildcats number one percent man Damian Martin. Whilst Teys’s story is not quite the gradual rise of the Damian Martin career there are certainly similarities. Martin started at college as a relative no name in Australian basketball suiting up for many team’s benches including the West Sydney Razorbacks and the Sydney Spirit before eventually landing his spot at the Wildcats in 2009/10. Martin then went on to forge his reputation of “Mr One Percenter” in the Wildcats finals campaigns throughout the 2010-2014 finals campaigns.
Teys as Wright described has always been a hard worker and it showed in his commitment. “He had a lot of reason to quit, he lived in Brisbane he used to drive down to the Gold Coast to train with us which was a huge drive each way, he’s worked hard and knows exactly what we want out there on the court and he’s now one of the leaders on this team.” In this classic match, Joey threw Teys into the starting line-up when many thought Jason Cadee or Mitch Creek would start the match, Joey knew he could rely on Teys in such a crucial situation. Teys contributed with a career high 14pts in a game that had it all, physicality, big shots and big plays.
Make sure you go back through the NBL archives and watch this one…
Key Matchups
Craig Randall II vs Bryce Cotton
If he plays – while they won’t matchup on each other directly you’ll need to look for the similarities in game breaking ability. The Sixers showed they could do without Randall on Thursday which means if he comes back he’ll be keen to show he fits back into the system. If he can fit back in and they can combine what they showed on Thursday then thats the DNA of the Sixers offensive setup.
He’s a superstar and no player has damaged the Sixers like Cotton in the last half a decade. Traditionally he’s started slow against the Sixers but roared to life in the second half notably 18 points in 2018 in Round 1 summarises this impact really well. While the fans will be keen to see a shootout – the Sixers will want Cleveland to make sure it becomes a non-event.
Robert Franks vs Brady Manek
Last week I said Franks needed to provide some more inside touches and paint presence for the Sixers. We got that against the Hawks as he dropped 25 points at 73 percent with 10 of 11 made inside the paint and only took the four three point shots. That’s a better balance for the team and worked beautifully in combination with DJ as they combined for 53 of the Sixers 96 points.
Its not his fault but its a contract saving match (and it still may not be enough) for the young import with so many ups coming into this one. Manek was serviceable on Thursday in the Wildcats loss with 8 points and 1 rebound purely cause he wasn’t the worst. The Sixers have a habit of playing players into form and if they aren’t alert to this import’s ability – he may find form at the right time when his team needs it.
Kai Sotto vs Majok Majok
The Sotto scale is tracking north and with the Wildcats struggling for rebounding count wins – this is a match Kai could really stamp himself in his minutes. He’s been efficient the last three matches with an average of 6 points and 5.6 rebounds and with the Wildcats uncharacteristically last averaging 31.8 rebounds per game – he needs to take advantage and crush the glass when called upon.
The Wildcats clearly lack rebounding presence and under Gleeson and Morrison Majok was the man who brought a bit more into that area. He averaged up to 5 rebounds per game but this season has dropped to 2.7. If the Wildcats are looking for an instant boost, the centre could be the answer short term.
THREE QUESTIONS TO SWOOP ON
Inside then Outside – is this the easy fix for the 36ers offence?
Hallelujah we called it into existence! In the last two games since their loss to New Zealand, the Sixers have shot 51 percent from the field compared to their season average of 45.6 which shows they are getting quality looks inside and utilising the matchups. It was summed up on the broadcast coverage how different players are suited to step-up on different nights – however your greatest strength can also turn out to be your greatest weakness as well.
Are the Wildcats waiting for the FIBA break to make not one but two changes?
Yes 100 percent they are – TaShawn Thomas and Manek and again its not their fault are not the right fit for the local contingent. That also goes back onto players like Blanchfield and Webster who they need more out of. The Wildcats need another scoring guard and a rebounding centre in the mould of John Mooney. With the recent news Jaylen Adams becoming avaliable – don’t be surprised if the Wildcats are in that conversation if they are willing to spend the bucks to get what they need.
Do the Sixers have what it takes defensively to stop Bryce Cotton by wearing him down enough in the first half?
Unlike previous seasons, the Sixers do have the depth to wear the superstar down. Its not just a Sunday Dech job anymore, he’ll see time from Cleveland, Dech, McCarron and throw every other player at him too – change my mind…
So who wins?
I shouldn’t be nervous about this one but I am, the Wildcats are figuratively on their early season knees but thats always when they are at their most dangerous – the Sixers should take this one comfortably but I just have a gut feel it won’t be as straight forward as that. I will take the home side but only just and won’t be surprised if the wounded “Wildcat” learns how to play their way again…
COD Prediction: 36ers by 2 points
Catch all the action tonight at the arena on Cluch Radio with Tristan “TP” Prentice and our special comments guest whether you’re at the game or watching from home
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CROSS OVER DRIBBLE 