Category: NBL

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 10^th 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

Cluch Radio

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

Defusing WMDW: Will McDowell-White has been a key architect of the Breakers at both ends of the floor - he must be stopped by McCarron - Photo credit to stuff.co.NZ 

3-Minute Read

NBL ROUND 5

Adelaide 36ers vs New Zealand Breakers

When: 7:00pm (ACDT), Friday 28 October

Where:  Adelaide Entertainment Centre – The Ken Cole-seum

Broadcast: Kayo Freebies, ESPN, www.nbl.com.au

SWOOP BACK IN HISTORY

Round 21 2009: Maher stamps himself literally into 36ers History

This one was probably the most memorable 36ers match against the New Zealand Breakers barring that club’s first NBL game many seasons ago. The night had all the fanfare and farewell of a club legend with the court the superstar 36ers point guard Brett Maher had graced for many years being unveiled as his very own, the Brett Maher Court.

The most famous story of the night was not the 17pts he dropped in his final game as Adelaide outlasted the Breakers 102-91 but it was the NBA distance shot that brought the house down that sealed the match in his final home game for the 36ers. This shot wrote history so much that the Brett Maher Court insignia unveiled on the night was simply replaced in emphatic sentimentality with the signature of the great champion in the very spot he knocked down that shot.

Key Matchups

Mitch McCarron vs Will McDowell-White    

Two absolute stat sheet stuffers will go head to head likely to set their teams up. McCarron is in the top 25 for rebounds (#14 with 6.3) and assists (#21 with 3.3) and has nearly notched up a triple double in every game so far this season.

The improvement in WMDW has been seen and the numbers don’t lie. He has already career high average in rebounds (6) and is in the top ten for assists in the competition with 4.5 while also adding 8.8 per game.

Robert Franks vs Dererk Pardon

You feel its a big game for Franks tonight… we’ve seen the glimpses but tonight he needs to provide some more inside touches and paint presence for the Sixers. He’s averaging 14.3 per game which is healthy but he can also up that by taking it closer to the basket and cause some defensive problems for his likely opponent Pardon.

You’d be excused for not knowing who Pardon is but hopefully if you’ve been watching the Breakers – you do now. He’s top ten in the league for rebounds (7.3) and already adding 11.2 points at a top ten high of 75.2 percent. The accuracy and efficiency of the Cleveland born forward who plays bigger than his size is a dangerous commodity for the Kiwi based side.

Hyrum Harris vs Cameron Gliddon

Harris has brought the impact to the floor for the Sixers everytime he’s taken court. CJ’s spark plug has been used in a vein similar to early 2010s Mitch Creek to inject some enthusiasm and punch on both ends of the floor and at different times. Look for him to impact the same way again in limited minutes.

I don’t even need to look at the stats to tell you the number of Sixer fans that know how much Cam has hurt us. He always has a way of putting those dagger triples in on us and with so many coverages of other players like Brown Jnr, WMDW, Brantley, Rupert just to name a few – his name shouldn’t go to far from the scouting sheet as he’s had a history of hurting the city of churches in big moments.  

THREE QUESTIONS TO SWOOP ON

When does the lid come off Adelaide’s championship credentials after downing the champions last weekend?  

Its too early and as we saw with the Phoenix knocking off the Breakers at home – anybody can get you on their given night. The Sixers however are showing the depth and personnel required to challenge strongly for the finals – I’m just not ready to declare them a contender just yet considering how even the league is right now.

Loe, Le’Afa, Vodanovich and WMDW have all started this season in career best form – is that a coach or players finding their role thing?  

Its a bit of all pieces of the pie – the combination of players refreshed and returning to home after being on the road so long since the start of the pandemic and a coach that channels his emotion into their play. Overall its a wonderful combination and gives you the warm fuzzies that they are playing as well as they are.

Defence against each other has been a problem in the past so who are the key players in setting the tone for their sides?    

McCarron and Cleveland for Adelaide and Le’afa and Barry Brown Jnr – these guys are elite in this area.

So who wins?

Both teams are in strong form heading into this one but if Adelaide are going to be taken seriously they need to win these games against rising contenders at home and start to build the fortress in the City of Churches.

COD Prediction: 36ers by 4 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

Cluch Radio

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

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

Cluch Radio

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