36ers ready to settle score

A full-strength Adelaide 36ers squad is a scary proposition.

Harrell, Martin, Vasiljevic, Humphries, Davis.

There’s an argument to say all five of those players would be among the top 20 in the competition.

DJ Vasiljevic has done it all before when it comes to winning titles. He won two at the Sydney Kings, and says this 36ers team has what it takes to go all the way.

The star guard sees similarities between Adelaide’s NBL25 roster and that of the Kings’ NBL23 championship, and not just in terms of personnel.

“We had a lot of firepower in that (Sydney) team,” he said.

“Jarell was there, Ian Clark, Jaylen Adams and myself.

“I think we’ve got that this year with Davis, (Sunday) Dech, Harrell, (Isaac) Humphries and Martin.

“I think we’re looking like a team like that. You can stop anyone, but anyone can go off on any given night.

“We’ve just got that good offensive power and if we continue to lock in defensively we can be a very dangerous team.”

The 36ers currently sit fifth on the NBL table, but the return of Martin from a long-term injury, Harrell’s push into the starting lineup and Humphries finding a return to his best form has them very much among the top echelon of teams.

Vasiljevic was left to do most of the scoring in his first season at the club, but this year, there’s options.

“A lot of people are going to top-block me and hold and grab but we’ve got (Kendric) Davis, (Montrezl) Harrell and (Sunday) Dech out there who can score the ball,” Vasiljevic said.

“So, if you want to take me out of action and out of the game, you’ve got to worry about four other guys putting the ball in the hoop.

“We’ve got a lot of offensive firepower and when we run and defend on teams, it’s hard to guard us.”

The 36ers will look to turn the tables on Cairns on Friday night, after the Taipans claimed victory in the teams’ last matchup.

A packed Adelaide Entertainment Centre will see their team don their indigenous jerseys.

“The jersey is pretty sick, in my opinion,” Vasiljevic added.

“I said in the locker room, I wish we could wear it for away games moving forward because it’s really cool.

“It’s an honour to represent the land, the people and the indigenous culture.”