The Bullets signing primed to "shock" NBL

Brisbane Bullets head coach Justin Schueller has backed Deng Adel to have a huge impact in his return NBL campaign, stating the former Cleveland Cavalier and Illawarra Hawk is “going to shock a few people”.

Adel started his career with NBA G-League side Raptors 905, before he earned an NBA opportunity with the Cavaliers. He then returned to the NBL for a solitary season with the Illawarra Hawks in NBL21.

He’s since been on a globe-trotting journey and played in the G-League, Canada, Denmark, Bulgaria and France in the past three years.

He averaged just 5.9 points per game in his previous NBL stint with the Hawks, but Schueller believes the Bullets can unlock Adel’s undoubted talent.

“I remember when I was at Melbourne and Deng was in the NBA and he’d come back in the off-season and be by far the best player on the floor in some workouts,” Schueller said.

“I think some people have forgotten how naturally gifted and talented he is, and we expect him to have a huge impact not just one our roster but in the league.

“We identified we need to get more athletic, more length and versatility, and he ticks every one of those boxes, plus he’s a guy we’ve worked with before, so we know what he’s like day in, day out.

“For him to come in and come back to the league through us is something he’s looking forward to and I think he’s going to shock a few people in the way he can have an impact.”

Import wing Keandre Cook joined Adel in signing for the club on Tuesday, following the departure of Chris Smith and reported attempt to buy Shannon Scott out of the final year of his contract.

The option on Casey Prather’s contract was taken by the Bullets heading into NBL25, with one import spot still to fill.

“I’m really comfortable with the rate we’re going as to say we’re going to make sure we’re going to find the best pieces of the puzzle to impact winning and chase that championship we all want.”