Cheatham’s “no brainer” decision on his future

Zylan Cheatham has revealed that the incredible support of the Adelaide 36ers faithful and the club’s potential for success this year and beyond were key reasons for his re-signing for another two seasons.

Cheatham on Sunday extended his contract to keep him in Sixers’ colours until the end of NBL28.

The 30-year-old has fast become a fan favourite in Adelaide for his energy and athleticism.

He has also been playing some of his best basketball, averaging 12.3 points per game to go with 10.1 rebounds and 4.1 assists so far this season.

Speaking to Adelaide media after training on Tuesday, Cheatham said it was an easy decision to stay in town.

“A couple of things had to make sense,” he explained.

“Obviously, I have a family now, so for me checking those boxes was important, and credit to (GM Basketball Operations) Matt (Weston) and (Executive Chairman) Grant (Kelley), they did a really good job in making the process pretty smooth for me.

“The team aspect and the city environment was a no brainer, but once we got the logistics of the contract, it was easy.”

He added that the support from the 36ers faithful at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre was also a key factor in his decision.

“I mean, when the AEC gets rocking, it's an environment that I would say is probably second to none,” he smiled.

“I've played Euro League, I've played in some pretty hostile places, but for me, just being the way it is feels just a little bit different.

“And that was a big part of why I was so adamant on signing.”

Cheatham is the latest Sixer to sign for multiple years along with teammates Bryce Cotton, DJ Vasiljevic, Isaac Humphries and Isaac White.

While he wasn’t eager to look too far ahead, Cheatham felt there was something special building.

“Obviously, starting with this season and trying to control what I can control this year, but, yeah, I wouldn't sign back if I didn't feel like we had a chance to be successful for the next couple years,” Cheatham said.

“I think keeping our nucleus, keeping our core together and being able to build a relationship and I think that's only going to take us to the next level.”

While his level has been pretty good so far this season, the former Bayern Munich and New Zealand Breakers man felt personally he had a lot more to offer still, a daunting thought for some opposition sides.

And despite the Sixers sitting top of the Hungry Jack’s NBL ladder with a 15-4 record, he feels the side still hasn’t played its best basketball yet.

“I think the sky's the limit,” Cheatham explained.

“For me personally, I know I haven't played my best basketball. I've showed spurts, but I know me being a catalyst on this team and me not playing well is definitely something that once I get going and once I really figure it out, I could take us to the next level.

“As a team, we're still not gelling the way we need to, and we still haven't reached the point that we want to reach so the ceiling is very high, and to have the success that we've had at this point in the season, man, it's a blessing for sure.”

Expectation may be building externally around ending a lengthy championship drought in Adelaide but Cheatham said the side was staying grounded and focussing on how to beat Cairns on Wednesday night.

“We don't really put expectations on ourselves,” he said. “I mean, we try to just come and maximise every day.

“Don't look too far ahead. Don't look too far behind, and try to get better every day, try to win every rep.

“And I think when we do that, then we put ourselves in a good position to be successful.”

Cheatham and the Sixers will host the Cairns Taipans in a Christmas eve clash from 5pm ACDT on Wednesday.