Dech says ‘opportunity’ awaits in Bullets battle

Adelaide 36ers swingman Sunday Dech has faith in his teammates to step up in Brisbane on Friday night against the Bullets.

Already without suspended import dup Kendric Davis and Montrezl Harrell, the 36ers will also be missing captain DJ Vasiljevic, who injured his hamstring last round against Tasmania JackJumpers.

Dech said even though Adelaide is missing the side’s three top scorers, he is confident the next wave of players are ready to make an immediate impact.

“Losing him (Vasiljevic) is going to hurt, but it’s a great opportunity for other guys to step up,” Dech said.

“We saw Keanu (Rasmussen) and Ben (Griscti) play great minutes last game and I expect that from Jacob Rigoni too this game.

“Everyone has to take a step forward and make it a whole team effort.”

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Rasmussen was a revelation against the JackJumpers last Saturday night, scoring nine points and dishing four assists, while also spending significant time guarding superstar import Milton Doyle.

“It’s a great opportunity and it’s something they have taken in their stride, they are ready for the moment," Dech said.

“They’ve shown it in practice day in, day out.

“With our roster, we have got so many stars, it’s hard for guys to get an opportunity.

“So, when it does come, you have to grab it with both hands.

“I think Keanu, Jacob and Ben will be ready when their number is called.”

Dech looms as the player to limit Bullet import guard James Batemon, who scored 51 points the last time he played at Brisbane Entertainment Centre.

“Batemon is such a fantastic offensive talent, he showed that just before the FIBA break,” Dech said.

“But, for us it’s a system, I’m going out there to do my job and make his job hard, and we have guys like Isaac (Humphries), Jarell (Martin) and Ben protecting at the rim.” 

BRISBANE BULLETS vs ADELAIDE 36ERS
Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Friday 7pm ACDT
Live on ESPN via Kayo Sports

OVERALL
Played 98, Adelaide 51, Brisbane 47

LIKELY STARTERS
Bullets: Mitch Norton, James Batemon, Keandre Cook, Casey Prather, Tyrell Harrison.
36ers: Jason Cadee, Sunday Dech, Nick Marshall, Jarell Martin, Isaac Humphries.

LAST FIVE MATCHES
Feb 9, 2024 –Bullets 102 def 36ers 84 at Nissan Arena
Dec 24, 2023 –36ers 95 def Bullets 88 at AEC
Sep 29, 2023 – Bullets 86 def 36ers 71 at Nissan Arena
Jan 19, 2023 - Brisbane Bullets 106 def Adelaide 36ers 101 in overtime at Nissan Arena
Dec 29, 2022 – 36ers 90 def Bullets 87 at AEC

STATS THAT MATTER
- Adelaide ranks 1st in the league for free throws made per game this season (18.0).
- The 36ers rank 2nd for points in the paint per game (40.8) this season.
- Isaac Humphries is one of only three qualified players in the league averaging at least 1.0 steals and 1.0 blocks per game this season.
- Jason Cadee ranks 9th amongst qualified players for assists per 36 minutes (4.9) this season.
- Isaac Humphries ranks 5th amongst qualified players for points in the paint per game (9.5) this season.
- Sunday Dech ranks 5th amongst qualified players for assist:turnover ratio (3.8) this season.