Sloan Ready for Tough, Gritty, Delly-Like NBL

Adelaide 36ers import Donald Sloan has compared the NBL to 2016 NBA champion and Australian Boomers star Matthew Dellavedova.

Upon landing in Adelaide after completing his 14-day quarantine, Sloan said he expects the challenge of the NBL to be a highly physical one.  

“It is a tough, gritty league. It’s not a boy’s league. It’s physical. I compare it to Delly, he is a tough mo fo and everybody knows that. Watching the NBL, I feel like it is a lot of him. A lot of guys like him on the court at all times. You got to bring it,” Sloan said.

“Talking to guys like (Jerome) Randle, DJ Kennedy, friends of mine that have come over and played, it is tough, and I am ready for it.”

Sloan spent five years in the NBA from 2011-2016 and has played professionally across the globe. The 32-year-old hopes to bring the leadership attributes he has gained around the world to the 36ers.

“I’m not a guy that is going to go and get you 30 points, I’m not a guy that is going to get you 20 assists every night, I’m not a guy that is going to get you 15 rebounds, but I do guarantee playing hard,” Sloan said.

“I can’t guarantee wins but with me being on the court, it makes it a little bit better, a bit more of an edge with more competitiveness and leadership.”

Sloan added the 36ers did a “great job” of sending him gym equipment while in quarantine, which helped him prepare for the new season.

“That made the days go by faster, it helped me mentally and it helped me prepare for action,” Sloan said.

“It feels amazing. It feels like I have new life. To be able to join the team is nothing short of amazing.”

Adelaide’s NBL21 campaign begins on Sunday January 17 when they host the Sydney Kings.

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