Wells on the way

New Adelaide coach Mike Wells has settled into his new role as the leader of the famous club, even though things didn't quite pan out as expected in Round 1.

The 36ers overcame a slow start against the Sydney Kings to push them all the way to the final buzzer, but ultimately, couldn't get the result.

It was a tough initiation in his first game as a head coach, but the highly-experienced Wells saw plenty to suggest he has a quality team at his disposal.

“I wish it wasn’t 19 to 3 right of the gate,” he joked when asked about how his first official minutes as a head coach went.

“You’re just sort of in the moment of the game. I’ve been a coach for a long time, just not a head coach, so it didn’t feel uncomfortable to me. I’ve got some great assists and veteran players that have helped me along the way.

“We’re still in the newness of this season, and playing together with this group. The more time the better as we learn about rotations and personal, what each player will offer.”

Wells said he expected more improvement in Round 2 against Cairns, as the likes of Kendric Davis and Montrezl Harrell continue to familiarise themselves with the 36ers' setup.

The coach himself has only been at the club for a month and a half, so it's understandably going to take some time to find the right mix.

“I think that’s the biggest thing that my staff and I are continually trying to figure out – our combinations and our rotation,” he said.

Wells isn’t the only fresh face that has made their mark on the club, with Harrell quickly becoming a fan favourite after his performance at Hoops Fest.

“His basketball IQ is exceptional,” Wells said.

“He hasn’t been in a team concept for a little bit ... but he has been a leading voice in the locker room and on the sideline in the game.

“He’s only going to get better with more time with us.”

The 36ers take on Cairns this weekend and Wells knows that they’re in for a tough battle if they want to notch up their first win of the NBL25 season.

“Coach (Adam) Forde does an excellent job. You know they play exceptionally hard and they’re always competing,” he added.

“This will be our first true road game, as we’ve been playing in neutral stadiums to this point. So those are all the things we are planning for this weekend.”