The Adelaide 36ers searched far and wide over the off-season in an attempt to bolster their squad for the 2014/15 season, making a number of key signings as they attempt to go one better and capture the NBL championship. Last Season There’s nothing quite as heart breaking as coming second, as the Adelaide 36ers would have found out following last year's defeat to Perth in the Grand Final . To come so close to the top and falter at the final hurdle isn’t something that sits easy with a professional sportsman, and is sure to put plenty of fire in the belly for the Sixers ahead of the new season. Following an eighth place finish in 2013, the Sixers had to rebuild, both on-court and off, to foster a winning environment. They hired NBL Champion coach Joey Wright and signed 2011 MVP Gary Ervin to try and bring direction to a team that hadn’t had much success since the Phil Smyth era. They also signed New Zealand swingman BJ Anthony to the roster as a backup big man. The season went well for Adelaide as the side put together a consistent season and eventually finishing in second place. They rattled off a six game win streak early in the season after a slow start, and found themselves with a mixed bag of results the rest of the way. It didn’t affect their post-season chances, however, as they saw off Melbourne in the semis before finishing as runners up overall. It helped them avoid a third consecutive wooden spoon, completely reversing their fortunes in just one season under Wright. Daniel Johnson was the highlight of a bright year for the team, asserting himself as a dominant big inside and using his quickness and size to pile on the points night in, night out. Despite the low attempts, his 40% from behind the arc was an encouraging sign for the 26-year-old. He dropped 19.2ppg and secured 6.8rpg on his way to club MVP. The 36ers were not shy when it came to letting the opposition know just who they were dealing with.
2014/15 NBL Season Preview: Adelaide 36ers
2014/15 NBL Season Preview: Adelaide 36ers
2014/15 NBL Season Preview: Adelaide 36ers
The Adelaide 36ers searched far and wide over the off-season in an attempt to bolster their squad for the 2014/15 season, making a number of key signings as they attempt to go one better and capture the NBL championship. Last Season There’s nothing quite as heart breaking as coming second, as the Adelaide 36ers would have found out following last year's defeat to Perth in the Grand Final . To come so close to the top and falter at the final hurdle isn’t something that sits easy with a professional sportsman, and is sure to put plenty of fire in the belly for the Sixers ahead of the new season. Following an eighth place finish in 2013, the Sixers had to rebuild, both on-court and off, to foster a winning environment. They hired NBL Champion coach Joey Wright and signed 2011 MVP Gary Ervin to try and bring direction to a team that hadn’t had much success since the Phil Smyth era. They also signed New Zealand swingman BJ Anthony to the roster as a backup big man. The season went well for Adelaide as the side put together a consistent season and eventually finishing in second place. They rattled off a six game win streak early in the season after a slow start, and found themselves with a mixed bag of results the rest of the way. It didn’t affect their post-season chances, however, as they saw off Melbourne in the semis before finishing as runners up overall. It helped them avoid a third consecutive wooden spoon, completely reversing their fortunes in just one season under Wright. Daniel Johnson was the highlight of a bright year for the team, asserting himself as a dominant big inside and using his quickness and size to pile on the points night in, night out. Despite the low attempts, his 40% from behind the arc was an encouraging sign for the 26-year-old. He dropped 19.2ppg and secured 6.8rpg on his way to club MVP. The 36ers were not shy when it came to letting the opposition know just who they were dealing with.