CROSS OVER DRIBBLE

Franks goodness for that: The money man of the Sixers Robert Franks is starting to find his groove posting impressive numbers the last month - Photo credit to Code Sports

4-Minute Read

The Cross-Over-Dribble Dossier

Adelaide 36ers vs. New Zealand Breakers

The Rundown

Sixers were looking good through the first half despite trailing at half-time and looked poised to claim the Breakers in the second half. In a change of historical trending – that didn’t happen and the Breakers broke the Sixers junky offensive sets in clinical fashion.

What the numbers said

The stats for the home side was worse reading than figures in the red on a spreadsheet. The Sixers were at a loss with 19 turnovers conceding 38 points from each of those. The Breakers third quarter of 12-28 the magnifying glass over those numbers – capped off with 5 of 7 beyond the arc to finish with 50 percent.

That highlighted the amount of space and freedom the Breakers shooters got and the drop off in intensity in this one.

What the coach said

“It’s not like we’ve been together three months, and we’re working it out.”

“We’ve played less than five games. So it’s early days for us and we need to continue to get better and keep improving.” CJ Bruton said.

Adelaide 36ers 70 (Sotto 16, Cleveland 14, Franks, Randall 11, McCarron 9) defeated by New Zealand Breakers 99 (Brown Jr, Jar Brantley 22, Le’Afa 15, McDowell-White 10, Rupert 9) at Adelaide Entertainment Centre

South East Melbourne Phoenix vs Adelaide 36ers

The Rundown

Similar to the Kings game both teams put on a very good display of basketball with quality at both ends. The Sixers looked like they found their groove but clearly got to overtime with a bit of luck (which in fairness you do need in this league). Phoenix showed their class in the extended period particularly the impact their import trio can have.

What the numbers said

The Sixers went away from what made them successful in the preseason again with just the 13 assists and produced 17 turnovers. The 11-2 run from the homeside in OT was telling and eventually broke the deadlock.

What the coach said

“I thought our guys responded from taking a butt-kicking at home, to playing this one all the way out to the end which sent us to overtime, and we had every chance to win that game. I thought it was a great response from us.”

“We know where we sit and we need to continue to get better and keep improving on certain situations, but it’s a team game.”

“It’s not one individual it’s a team, and we have to plug up a few things as we keep moving forward.”

South East Melbourne Phoenix 103 (Kell 24, Williams 18, Broekhoff 17, Creek 16, Browne 14) defeated Adelaide 36ers 98 (Randall 28, Johnson 16, Drmic 13, Dech, Franks 11, McCarron 8) at John Cain Arena

Illawarra Hawks vs Adelaide 36ers

The Rundown

Despite the struggle of the Hawks – normally the Sixers would drop this one and they didn’t without Randall. That clearly foreshadowed his release as we saw the Sixers minus him look pretty good.

What the numbers said

Franks needed to provide some more inside touches and paint presence for the Sixers compared to recent matches. 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.

What the coach said

“How we shared the ball and played defence tonight was good. We got into our second and third actions by moving the ball, and we needed to do that. 

“That gave us opportunities to score even though our turnover count is still high. That’s sad and we need to continue to get better in that area as we move forward.”

Illawarra Hawks 80 (Harvey 25, Swaka Lo-Buluk 12, Siva 11, Mathiang 10, Deng 8) defeated by Adelaide 36ers 96 (Johnson 28, Franks 25, Drmic 16, Dech 11, McCarron 10) at WIN Entertainment Centre

Adelaide 36ers vs. Perth Wildcats

The Rundown

It was a chance to make a home statement – and it was missed.

The Sixers let the wounded Wildcats jump out of the blocks trying to turn around history – playing some out of form players back into touch.

It looked like the Sixers had stolen back momentum in the second quarter then were holding firm in the third but a 0-14 run from the Wildcats led by Bryce Cotton’s last quarter of 12 points – put that comeback to bed…

What the numbers said

Tashawn Thomas season average – 9 points and less than 3 rebounds

12 points and 9 rebounds…

Corey Webster season average – 7.7

18 points…

Brady Manek season average – 8.4

25 points with 6/8 beyond the arc…

Hmm – you tell me that doesn’t tell the story

What the coach said

“Everyone wants to play well at home and we are excited to be at home, but playing from behind hurts.”

“But we did a nice job of crawling back in the game and tying it back up at half-time even though we didn’t have a lead for very long. But I liked the energy to get back into it and to share the ball, and to play with that passion on the back of the energy from the crowd giving us a little bit of a punch too.”

Adelaide 36ers 89 (Franks 24, Cleveland 22, Randall 13, Sotto 8) defeated by Perth Wildcats 94 (Manek 25, Webster 18, Cotton 15, Thomas 12, Wagstaff 9) at Adelaide Entertainment Centre

Catch all the action Friday night December 2 as the 36ers take on the Cairns Taipans 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

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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

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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