Bruton says two key factors helping Flowers grow

Growth and belief have been two key factors in Trentyn Flowers’ breakout performance against Illawarra Hawks and head coach CJ Bruton said the NBL Next Star is still making his progression.

Flowers starred with 23 points, including 18 in a frantic final quarter, as Adelaide chalked up their first win of the NBL24 season last Saturday on Brett Maher Court.

Bruton had nothing but praise for Flowers, who has been working through some initial struggles since joining the 36ers Family.

“This young man came in and from where he has been at, like coming in the week before our first pre-season game, picking a lot of things up and trying to find his feet and learning all spots on the floor,” Bruton said.

“It’s like just grow and he is saying ‘believe in me’ and I’m saying the same thing back.

READ MORE

• Defence key to Flowers' frenzy against Hawks
• Bruton's 'few choice words' catalyst to success
• Comwire re-signs for NBL24 campaign

“There are certain things you need to bring across to the NBL and the FIBA game that just doesn’t happen in high school.

“For all those guys who have transitioned and transitioned well to the NBA, that takes growth and that takes time.”

Bruton said time on the practice court is key for Flowers as the 204cm Next Star sensation continues his growth in the NBL.

“Three of our first four games were on the road and we have had only a couple of practice sessions, it’s not a lot to go and put in, but he is putting in the work,” Bruton said.

“Trust in me, I’ve been doing this for 20 years; just trust in me, do the steps and this will be great.

“It’s all about faith, faith in himself and faith in his teammates, to put us in a position to go win a game.

“We have all heard about what he can do in a game, now he has gone out and done it.”