"We're right there": Vasiljevic backs Finals push

Wednesday, December 13, 2023

Adelaide wing DJ Vasiljevic believes his side isn't far from a climb up the ladder.

The Adelaide 36ers may be languishing at the bottom of the NBL ladder, but star wing DJ Vasiljevic believes his side is “right there” in terms of becoming a competitive, post-season hunting side.

The 36ers parted ways with head coach CJ Bruton last week, and they gave up a season-high 116 points in a 15-point defeat to Cairns in the first game under interim head coach Scott Ninnis.

The run of fixtures doesn’t get any easier for Adelaide this week, who are set to play ladder leaders Melbourne United on Saturday night.

“I think we’re right there. It’s just the little things. We didn’t have much time to prepare for Saturday’s game, but we just went with the flow,” Vasiljevic said.

“If the game was five minutes longer maybe we stay a chance there, but I think we just ran out of legs. It’s new bodies, a new coach, I think we’ll be solid and I have a lot of belief in this group.

“It’s just a new chapter in the 36ers’ history. I think we just have to stay locked in and it’s become a little bit simpler, and our trainings have been really good. I think we showed in Saturday’s game the intensity, the effort, and the pride. We didn’t win, but I think it’s a steppingstone in the right direction.

“Everyone was very positive and there was a lot of energy on the bench which is something we haven’t had in the last few games. If we keep trending in the right direction, I think it will just get better and better.”

Vasiljevic only joined the 36ers ahead of Round 4, and has experienced just three wins and a coaching change across his nine-game span.

He initially signed for the remainder of NBL24, but Vasiljevic says he’s more than open to staying with the 36ers organisation past this season.

“I’m not trying to worry about the future too much. I’m trying to worry about now and trying to win, and that’s been my main goal – to try and get this club wins and push for the Play-In,” he said.

“There’s a lot going on but I’m trying to adapt. I’m just enjoying my time here. The city is great, the people have embraced me – everywhere I go people come up to me and say hello and it’s appreciative and I like it.

“I do [want to stay], I’m just going to see how it plays out and whatever happens, happens.”

Adelaide’s Round 11 clash with Melbourne tips off at 8pm AEDT on Saturday, December 16, live on ESPN via Kayo.