36er embraces leadership role

Photo: Adelaide United Media

Jason Cadee holds a plethora of NBL knowledge, and his name is a heavily respected one in Australian basketball.

The natural leader made the switch from the Brisbane Bullets this offseason to the Adelaide 36ers, and aims to help Mitch McCarron – a long time leader for the team – build a winning culture at the Sixers.

“It’s always been a natural thing for me. I read people pretty well, and I also understand the game of basketball. Being able to help others has been something I’ve been good at and something that I know I’ll help this crew with,” Cadee told 36ers media.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">The guys are keen to get more minutes in the legs tomorrow as we take on the Brisbane Bullets for our second pre-season match at Lights Community &amp; Sports Centre | 2pm ??<br><br>You can live stream the game live and free via the 36ers App ? <a href="https://t.co/9jzB1yhljh">https://t.co/9jzB1yhljh</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreSixers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreSixers</a> <a href="https://t.co/gAtXqlvB5g">pic.twitter.com/gAtXqlvB5g</a></p>&mdash; Adelaide 36ers (@Adelaide36ers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Adelaide36ers/status/1700026140520497454?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 8, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The 32-year-old point guard’s humble nature was quick to turn down any hope for captaincy, as his respect for Adelaide’s star captain was prominent.

“Whether you’ve got the title of captain or not, it doesn’t change how I lead,” he said.

“This year coming in, I can help Macca [McCarron] worry about basketball, and not have to worry about talking all the time. He can use his voice where it’s needed. Same thing for me, I can use him and take a backwards step.

“I don’t need that title, I won’t change how I lead.”

The 36ers will be hoping to return to post-season action this campaign with a new look roster. 

Adelaide finished eighth on the ladder last season, with some road blocks and off-court issues making NBL23 a forgettable one.

Cadee spoke about coming off the bench this season behind NBA draft prospect, and NBL Next Star, Trentyn Flowers – an energetic point guard eager to thrive.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Part 1 – From the US to Adelaide<br>We sat down with Next Star Trentyn Flowers to get an insight on his hoops journey?<br><br>See the Full Story and Interview: <a href="https://t.co/LZth26cGwW">https://t.co/LZth26cGwW</a><a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/WeAreSixers?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#WeAreSixers</a> <a href="https://t.co/Tj3xQ0Cmnm">pic.twitter.com/Tj3xQ0Cmnm</a></p>&mdash; Adelaide 36ers (@Adelaide36ers) <a href="https://twitter.com/Adelaide36ers/status/1699233454414561544?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 6, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“I’ve never cared about starting, it’s more about playing. My minutes will be my minutes because I’ll do my job,” Cadee said.

“Coming off the bench isn’t a bad thing. I look to embrace that role and I think this year will be the first year in a while that will actually stay as my role.”

Adelaide's season opener is on Friday, September 29 against Cadee’s former side, the Brisbane Bullets.