Post Season Review - Adelaide

The Season

It didn’t start out well and it didn’t end well.  In fact, apart from a brief stretch where they won three of four this season it was a disaster, placing them firmly at the bottom of the ladder.  They did have some quality wins, none bigger than beating Perth twice and overcoming Melbourne when the Tigers weren’t in free fall.  Unfortunately those positives were vastly outnumbered by the negatives, especially when the 36ers went 2-6 in the first eight rounds to effectively put them out of post season action so early, as well as a six game losing streak and the current four game winless stretch.  The season’s end couldn’t come quickly enough.

What went right?

They uncovered a superstar in the making in Daniel Johnson as well as a quality glue guy in Everard Bartlett.  Diamon Simpson was electrifying at times, so much that the Houston Rockets are giving him a go and more importantly was named All NBL First Team in this blog.  Umm...

What went wrong?

So much.  Chris Warren was subpar and will not be back, while Wade Helliwell sucked up seven player points and gave nothing in return.  Adam Ballinger and Nathan Crosswell who are quality players missed most of the season while their go-to guys shot poorly, best shown by Stephen Weigh’s anaemic 39% from the field.  Add to the equation an unlikable coach that is probably on the way out adds up to a wooden spoon.

Most Valuable Player

Statistics show that Diamon Simpson would get this gong but when reports come out that he was late for practice and didn’t really give a damn about this club or his game it has to go to their cornerstone Daniel Johnson.  He was always on the cusp of NBL stardom but this season he broke out.  Rightfully so he was named Most Improved as well as being named on the All NBL Third Team for his performance.  Look for him to be the centrepiece for this 36er team going forward.

Targets

Mostly likely a new coach as well as new imports.  Wade Helliwell has retired freeing up his seven points so bringing in quality players is imperative.  A real point guard (Warren was more of a combo guard) is important as well as a dynamite power player.  That is easy to say but so much harder to do so I don’t envy the front office.  Bringing in an overseas Australian would be a massive coup, especially as both Joe Ingles and Brad Newley are from South Australia.  If Marty Clarke isn’t gone this off-season he seat will be red hot next campaign.  The 36er faithful are a proud bunch and will not take losing for much longer.

Next Season

It’s hard to say with so much of the team in flux but I’m sure most of the team’s fortune will be hinging on Daniel Johnson.  People know about him now so the spotlight will be firmly placed in him.  Look for Mitch Creek to get more of a run as he becomes more accustomed to the life of an NBL player.  Hopefully they get at least one game changing import because it sucks seeing the 36ers, who are a great rival to most team, flounder about in the kiddy pool.

Grade

D