Bruton says off-season will take time

Adelaide 36ers coach CJ Bruton said he will take his time to evaluate and assess his side after missing the NBL23 post season last Sunday.

The 36ers finished NBL23 with a 13-15 record and Bruton said the “Jekyll and Hyde” season never got the momentum it required.

“It’s disappointing, you look at the names, but it’s just names on paper, trying to get them to communicate and come together as a unit was a tough challenge,” Bruton said.

“Overall, I take responsibility, last year I came in two weeks before the season, I got to bring in seven guys.

“Did I get enough time? Probably not, but I’m not making excuses, but I take it that I couldn’t get the guys play to a standard that I saw possible.

“When you have depth like that, trying to manage that was a challenge.”

Bruton didn’t hide his frustration after last Sunday afternoon’s 116-107 loss to Melbourne United at John Cain Arena.

“I’m disappointed, I’m disappointed for my players and myself, for our sponsors, for our fans, for our community,” Bruton said.

“Dealing with a group of talented, managing everyone’s expectations, from our fans to our players to understand how you perform and play.

“But, if you don’t get back up, then what are you.

“I will re-evaluate, come back and look you all in the eye and keep progressing and moving forward.”

Bruton said the NBL24 season will see some change and it starts with Bruton himself.

“Taking on the identity of myself, as a coach you want them to take on that identity, I don’t think we did that, I didn’t do a good job in that space,” Bruton said.

“I need to make the sure that next year the identity you see in this team is me.”