36ers embrace schedule challenge

Wednesday, November 29, 2023

Adelaide head coach CJ Bruton has called on his team to rise to the challenge of its Round 9 double-header.

The Adelaide 36ers have vowed to rise to the challenge of a challenging double road-trip over the weekend.

With tip-off for their clash with the Breakers commencing at 5:30pm AEDT on Thursday evening, the 36ers will be up bright and early to make their way to Wolfbrook Arena.

“Clearly, we’re going to a different spot in New Zealand, playing in Christchurch and being in the airport at 4am our time,” Bruton said.

Adelaide then heads to Tasmania for a clash against the JackJumpers on Saturday night, in what looms as a huge weekend for their Finals prospects.

“There’s a lot that’s I would like to say [is] unfair, but life deals you what it deals you. Now we’ve got to accept what’s in front of us,” Bruton said.

“If we come away with two wins, which is the game plan, we’ve got to execute and we’ve got to have everyone buying in to both sides of the ball.

“It’ll be a challenge, it’ll be a game everyone will want to watch, and I’m excited for our road trip ahead.”

Bruton’s contract with the 36ers is currently set to expire at the culmination of the current season, and NBL analyst Derek Rucker stoked the rumour mill with claims of a potential extension for the six-time NBL champion, on a recent episode of NBL Now.

Since retiring as one of the most decorated players in NBL history, Bruton spent five seasons as an assistant coach at the Brisbane Bullets, before taking over the 36ers ahead of NBL22.

Currently, he has a record of 27 wins and 38 losses during his time in charge of Adelaide. He says it’s not his job to open any contract talks with his current employer.

“I don’t start any conversation. My job is to focus on the task at hand,” Bruton continued.

“While it was a slow start when you have eight new players and a whole new coaching staff - I don’t know what you guys expect, but when you walk into a new business how do you expect to be on the money straight away?

“Clearly every team here can beat everyone and everyone’s had their moments, but my job is to keep everyone calm out there and to make sure everyone can play elite basketball and understand what’s the game plan and how to execute that.”

Adelaide will take on New Zealand on Thursday, November 30 at 5:30pm AEDT, live on ESPN via Kayo Sports and Sky Sport in New Zealand.