Cadee says Gold Coast ready to roll in 2024

Adelaide 36ers point guard Jason Cadee said this weekend’s NBL1 North season opener against Ipswich Force won’t be a revenge match for his Gold Coast Rollers.

The Force came back from an opening game loss to defeat Gold Coast 2-1 in the 2023 NBL1 North grand final series, but Cadee said Saturday night’s match will be totally different.

“I never ever really thought about it as that until everyone keeps talking about it this week,” Cadee said.

“The teams are so different, and the players are so removed, it’s just a different feel.

“They are doing their banner celebration on the night, so when all that takes place, it might kick in, we will see.”

The 186cm point guard is also the reigning NBL1 North MVP, but Cadee says he doesn’t fear having a target on his back from opposition sides.

“There has been (a target) for years because we have done pretty well as a club, but for me it’s not a concern because I don’t go out there to win that,” he said.

“Winning that (MVP) was just a bonus, I just want to play to make my teammates better and to win games.

“It’s a target on the Gold Coast, for the past three years.”

Gold Coast looms as one of the expansion locations for the NBL in the coming seasons and Cadee understands the Rollers quest for success could have added motivation.

“There are some people involved in the club now that are heavily involved in that (NBL license push),” he said.

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“In their mind there is some correlation to winning NBL1 games to getting into the NBL, but the group just focus on winning the next game.”

After moving back to Adelaide for his second stint at the 36ers, Cadee had options for NBL1 in 2024, but ultimately decided to go back ‘home’.

“Moving to Adelaide did present some options for me (in the off-season),” Cadee said.

“But, my links to the Rollers are strong, my parents live on the Gold Coast, Peach (Anthony Petrie) is the coach, so those links a pretty strong and make it easy to come back and play.”

The Rollers begin their NBL1 North season against Ipswich Force on Saturday night, catch all the action live and exclusive on www.nbl1.com.au.