DJ has point to prove

Adelaide 36ers sharpshooter DJ Vasiljevic is heading into this season with a chip on his shoulder, according to NBL legend Lanard Copeland.

“He’s not happy that he wasn’t in the conversation for the All-NBL Team predictions,” Copeland said on NBL Media's The Roundtable.

“He said 'leave it with me. I’ve got something to prove to you guys'.”

When Vasiljevic joined the 36ers early last season, he immediately took on a leading role and was a major reason for their late run at a finals berth. Across 23 games he averaged 19.7 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists. Only once in that span did he fail to score in double figures.

Vasiljevic agreed to a long-term extension with Adelaide in January, locking in the star guard for the next three seasons and giving the club a foundation piece to build around.

While the 36ers have dominated the headlines this off-season, on paper they look like a team which has the ability to go a long way in NBL25.

“When you’ve got a guy like DJ, who goes out there with that edge, and you put the right pieces around him ... then that team can make the top four.” Copeland said.

With the additions of Kendric Davis, Jarell Martin and Lat Mayen, alongside Isaac Humphries, it’s a new look starting lineup that is set to excite the Adelaide fans.

Six-time Best Defensive Player, Damian Martin, agrees that while Adelaide has all the right pieces to contend, the responsibility will fall on the back of their local superstar.

“With DJ, I look at his role right now and if he’s going to average 20 points per game next year. I don’t want it to be five a quarter. I want it to be like Chris Goulding, where you take over a game,” Martin said.

“Three consecutive possessions you’re dropping threes. I want to see him taking over games in those little periods. Then he can spread the floor and let others do their thing.”

Copeland, who played two seasons with the 36ers before he retired, knows first-hand how passionate the Adelaide faithful are.

“Adelaide is a special place. Win or lose, the team is going to have support. The fans are incredible,” Copeland said.

“When you get a couple wins down there, the momentum goes crazy ... if they can start off well with the roster they put together, there’s no reason they can’t go further than last season.”