Adelaide 36ers: 2017/18 Season Preview
There have been some major changes for Adelaide off the court, however, for the most part there on-court nucleus has stayed the same.
Even though there is a new logo and colour design, you will still see the likes of Mitch Creek, Nathan Sobey and Daniel Johnson and Matt Hodgson putting in work. Of course, Jerome Randle won’t be suiting up, but you will see some other super-talented players.
The Imports
Ramone Moore makes the trip across the border from Melbourne to join the 36ers. He received limited opportunity behind Chris Goulding last year before falling to injury. Despite some hesitation from fans, Moore has performed well in the preseason and looks like he is ready to take step up in the NBL. His shooting from the outside will also come in handy for a team who didn’t look to let the ball fly from deep very often last year (7th in NBL for 3PA per game).
Adelaide fans will have an extra reason to get down to games, with high-flyer Ronald Roberts signing with the team. The former 2016 D-League All-Star last played for Tofas in Turkey, but had to leave after suffering a knee injury. As long as he can stay fit, the 6’6 forward will add another layer of explosiveness on top of Mitch Creek and Nathan Sobey.
The third and final import spot for the 36ers will be filled by Shannon Shorter. The Texan has bounced from club-to-club but now lands in Australia. He is a pure scorer who can really fill it up. He will look to fill up some of the giant hole that Jerome Randle has left.
Winter experience
Some players take trips overseas, while others relax at home. Not the stars of the 36ers, with Mitch Creek and Nathan Sobey earning themselves spots with the Utah Jazz Summer League team. They both played limited minutes, but the exposure to that level of basketball can only be beneficial.
Creek wasn’t finished there, he and Matt Hodgson played for the Boomers in their successful Asia Cup campaign. The 36ers captain had a massive series and probably should have been named in the All-Star five for the tournament. Hodgson, on the other hand, was a key anchor in the middle.
Keep your eye out for these guys who should be ready to turn it on from the start of the season.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FfVy6MYh75o
Underrated?
Last year Adelaide came from nowhere to be minor premiers. They took big expectations into the finals but came up short against Illawarra in the first round. This year they are again ranked as outsiders to take home the championship. Considering that the majority of their team is back and undoubtedly better, this seems very unfair. They have also shown good preseason form, highlighted by winning the Merlion Cup in Singapore. Be prepared for Adelaide to again be inside the top four and contest for the 2017/18 title.
https://twitter.com/NBL/status/911073260334333952
X-Factor
Anthony Drmic is entering his second season of professional basketball. Last year he won Rookie of the Year and will no doubt look to build on that. During the off season, he led the Southern Tigers to a grand final appearance in the South Australian Premier League. He averaged over 25 points and nine rebounds per game and even had back-to-back 40+ point efforts. Don’t be sleeping on Anthony Drmic this NBL season.
Prediction
16-12
It should be another solid season for Adelaide and they should again push for a championship.