Bruton: Play-In System Creates Excitement

Adelaide 36ers coach CJ Bruton has welcomed the introduction of the NBL’s new play-in system, with the six-time championship winner labelling it as “exciting”.

The addition of a play-in tournament to the NBL was announced on Tuesday morning. The third, fourth, fifth and sixth placed teams at the end of the season will jostle for a position in the semi-finals in a three-game mini-tournament.

“It’s always exciting to have a better chance to win a championship and it will be exciting for any team that makes it,” Bruton said.

“Anything that adds excitement to the game and league I’m up for. For the teams that are right there on the bubble, this will create a lot more games at the back end with a lot more on the line.

“The goal is still the top four, as the teams that finish third and fourth get that double chance to make the playoffs.”

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The NBA has utilised a play-in tournament structure since 2020, however the upcoming season will be the first time it has been seen on Australian shores.

The 36ers will have to go one better than last season’s seventh-placed finish to reach the playoffs. They open their campaign on October 13 against last year’s finalists, the Tasmania JackJumpers.