Adelaide Bring Home College Guard

The Adelaide 36ers have signed former California Baptist guard Keanu Rasmussen as a development player for NBL24.

Rasmussen – who played alongside Australians Tre and Taran Armstrong for the Lancers – made 10 appearances for the side in the 2022-23 season, and shot 60 per cent from the field across the campaign.

Prior to heading to college, he came through the Basketball Australia Centre of Excellence, and was part of the U20 Global NBA team.

He is currently playing for Sturt Sabres in NBL1 Central, and registered 14 points, five rebounds and six assists in the side’s recent win over Central Districts.

Hailing from Adelaide, Rasmussen says he’s excited to have earned the opportunity to represent his hometown team.

“I remember coming to games years ago and I thought ‘this is something I want to do and here it is now,” Rasmussen said.

“I spent two years at college, I redshirted my first year and in that second year I didn’t get to play much.

“It was a great spot to develop my game, but two years without playing much was a bit tough, so I thought coming back here to actually play was best for me and pick up an NBL contract.

“It’s great to be home again, see the family and be back in Adelaide.”

Head coach CJ Bruton believes there is a clear path for the new signing to make his mark with the 36ers.

“I can see Keanu plying his trade as a development player and making his way into a roster spot down the track,” he said.

“He has the basketball IQ and skillset that can transition to the NBL level.”

Rasmussen joins Isaac Humphries and Jason Cadee as new signings to the roster for NBL24, while Antonius Cleveland, Robert Franks, Mitch McCarron, Kyrin Galloway, Sunday Dech and Nick Marshall have been retained from last season.