Cheatham Charged for Championship Challenge

The Hungry Jack’s NBL27 season is here and Zylan Cheatham cannot wait to hit the court on Saturday night when his Adelaide 36ers side takes on Melbourne United to tip off the season.

United has had a strong off-season, bringing in Cole Anthony, Joe Ingles, Luke Travers and Josh Oduro, who each played in the NBA last season, under new Head Coach Jacob Chance.

While the Sixers also have a new Head Coach in five-time NBL Championship winner Trevor Gleeson, their off-season could not be more contrasting, with the bulk of the roster remaining.

Speaking after training on Tuesday, Cheatham was looking forward to the challenge against the championship favourite with the bookies.

“I don't really get into what it looks like on paper,” he smiled.

“I mean, at the end of the day, they eat, sleep, breathe just like us. I mean, it's about who can put the best five players on the floor that can be as connected as possible and get the job done.

“This isn't our first rodeo. Obviously, playing in Melbourne, one of the better cities in Australia, and, you know, just having an opportunity to play basketball again and hear a whistle and not go against these guys (teammates) every day, that's kind of what I'm most excited about.

“Obviously, they are what they are on paper. We are what we are on paper, so it's just going to be about executing… It's basketball, anything can happen.

“I like to say the more connected team, the more on page team usually has more success in this league. So that's what we're striving to be and I mean, hopefully we'll put that out on Saturday night.”

Cheatham had an impressive first season at the club, having been named as part of the All-NBL Second Team in NBL26 after averaging 11.8 points per game to go with 10 rebounds and 4.1 assists.

After an off-season refresh, which saw him return home to Arizona and start a trucking business, the 30-year-old is in good spirits and eager to get the season up and running.

“Basketball has been a joy,” he said.

“New year, new season, similar team, but I'm different.

“I'd say our start is a lot different, you know, that whole, like, getting to know each other and getting used to each other process is kind of not really been a thing. It's kind of been like day one. We know what we're expecting. We know what's going on.

“Personally, I just feel good. I mean, I feel like I crossed on my Ts and dotted on my Is this off season, putting in a lot of good work, staying true to what I believe, staying true to myself, and now I'm just ready to rock and roll.”

Cheatham said the quality of recruiting in the off-season by all sides had highlighted the quality of the competition, though the Sixers were purely focused on improving themselves.

“I'm excited to see everybody's new teams, and some new coaches, and just new faces,” he said, “And I’m excited to match up with a lot of people.

“Man, this league is unbelievable this year.

“I mean, top to bottom, there is no off nights.

“I think I'm just excited for the challenge of the whole season.”

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The Sixers tip off the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 season against Melbourne United at John Cain Arena on Saturday, 19 September from 7:00 ACDT.

All games will be broadcast on ESPN via Kayo or Disney+ with Saturday night games on free-to-air television on the Nine Network and 9Now.

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