DJ effect has ignited NBL24 campaign

Adelaide 36ers guard Jason Cadee says new recruit DJ Vasiljevic has brought a fresh voice, new energy and an added confidence to the group.

Vasiljevic, who has played the past three games in 36ers colours, is averaging 18.67 points per night and Cadee praised the two-time NBL champion for buying into the 36ers culture.

“He has come into the group and just wanted to be part of it, but we also wanted a guy who wanted to take on that role,” Cadee said.

“We have the ability as a group to give him the ball when needed and so far he has delivered the goods.”

The 190cm guard scored 11 of his team-high 24 points in the final 10 minutes last Thursday as Adelaide made it back-to-back wins with a 97-85 success against New Zealand Breakers in Auckland.

“His ability to know how to win, his ability to score and his ability to deliver a message from a new voice has been great,” Cadee said.

“Sometimes it’s same people delivering the same message, but DJ coming in has given us a fresh approach.”

NBL analyst Liam Santamaria said not only has Vasiljevic added to Adelaide’s scoring power, but also increased the 36ers’ effort on the defensive end.

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“He enjoys guarding those guys that are similar to him, scores that are going to run off picks and he knows how to lock and trail,” Santamaria told NBL Overtime this week.

“He guards them how he knows he should be guarded in those situations.

“And he is enjoying the opportunity to be the man and more importantly, the team is winning,

“They have won three of their past four, they’re rolling.”

Adelaide 36ers face Perth Wildcats this Saturday night at RACE from 7.30pm ACDT and you can watch the action live and exclusive to ESPN via Kayo Sports.