Do Star Players Make A Star Team?

There’s no question the Adelaide 36ers boast star power heading into NBL23. 

Antonius Cleveland. Robert Franks. Craig Randall. Mitch McCarron. Daniel Johnson. On paper, it’s quite the starting five.

But a group of star players doesn’t necessarily equal success, as many organisations have found out the hard way. 

“For me, it’s about our team, we have a lot of talented players,” Adelaide coach CJ Bruton said on Wednesday.

“We play a team game, it’s not tennis, it’s not singles.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">?? COME FLY WITH ME ??<br><br>We&#39;re off to Perth and CJ has some words before our games with the Wildcats ?<br><br>READ MORE: <a href="https://t.co/TcqqKUyX2O">https://t.co/TcqqKUyX2O</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreSixers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreSixers</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/SwoopTheHoop?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#SwoopTheHoop</a> <a href="https://t.co/9O8WkwxfSY">pic.twitter.com/9O8WkwxfSY</a></p>&mdash; Adelaide 36ers (@Adelaide36ers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Adelaide36ers/status/1567412683821187072?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 7, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The cohesiveness of the 36ers’ roster will face the perfect acid test next month, as they travel to the United States for matches against the Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder.

What better way to foster relationships and build that team camaraderie, than taking on the world’s best in another country? 

“We need to work together and come together on the road, looking out for each other,” Bruton said.

“I’m looking at the buy-in, ultimately as a team. 

“It’s like playing for your country, as much respect as you give that, give it to this team.

“It’s massive (the team culture) … it sets teams apart, it builds franchises.”

While the NBLxNBA tour is still a few weeks away, the pre-season presents a chance to get an early feel for where things are at. 

First up, the 36ers head to Perth to take on the Wildcats this Friday and Sunday. 

“I’m very happy with having my paw print put on this talented group, but we’re yet to come together,” Bruton said. 

“We’ve (only) had a handful of days practicing. My whole coaching staff and organisation haven’t come together … that’s not just on-court, but off-court.

“We’re still integrating and coming together in that space, but I’m excited.”

Fans can watch Adelaide’s pre-season games against Perth via NBL.com.au, the NBL App, YouTube and Facebook.