Sixers and Phoenix to Meet in Pre-Season

The Adelaide 36ers' first NBL24 pre-season game will be in Mount Gambier on Friday, September 1 against the South East Melbourne Phoenix.

The game will be the first NBL match at the new Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre, which was opened earlier this year.

Adelaide head coach CJ Bruton is excited by the pre-season game in Mount Gambier and said the battle against the Phoenix is a great reward for local basketball fans.

“To keep the game locally is a big thing and the Mount Gambier region has supported basketball at a high level for so long,” Bruton said.

“What they have been able to do under head coach Richard Hill is a testament to their professionalism.

“To be able to go down there and play a pre-season game is bringing the highest level of basketball to their new home floor.”

NBL1 club Mount Gambier Pioneers president Tom Kosch said his club is thrilled to be given the opportunity to host an NBL pre-season match.

“We are extremely excited to be able to host the Adelaide 36ers and South East Melbourne Phoenix for a pre-season game at our communities brand new state of the art facility,” Kosch said.

“The rise and growth of the NBL and basketball all over Australia has been incredible.

“Our club see great value in bringing the country’s highest level of competition to our region and showcasing them in our own backyard.”

Kosch said the Pioneers fans will no doubt sell out the match, with current Mount Gambier swingman Nick Marshall a key piece to the Adelaide 36ers NBL24 roster.

“Mount Gambier and our neighbouring associations are keen basketball fans but the event will be seen with interest from our wider community who are passionate sports fans,” Kosch said.

The 36ers will be in Mount Gambier from August 31 to do a number of school visits and coaching clinics with the next generation of basketball stars.

“This also shows how we value what we do in the community and important that this and what makes our sport so great,” Bruton said.

“This is more than just playing a pre-season game, this will be a huge basketball event.”