DJ says 36ers in title mix

Adelaide 36ers big man Daniel Johnson believes this year’s roster can contend for the NBL23 championship.

Johnson, who has played in two NBL Grand Final series in 2014 and 2018, said the new-look NBL23 line-up, highlighted by import recruits Antonius Cleveland and Robert Franks, has got serious talent and will be exciting for fans.

“The guys that we have brought in have shown they can really play well in this league,” Johnson said.

“I think we really have a strong roster and now we need to finish it off with a couple of other pieces.

“Both of the guys a really tough, AC (Cleveland) with his defence and Robo (Franks) with his offense and defence will give us the opportunity to space the floor and run it a bit faster.

“We will be up and down the floor a bit more, which the fans will love to see.”

The three-time All-NBL First team forward said the final two roster spots will compliment an already imposing line-up.

“We have to sign two more guys, we are pretty stacked at all the positions at the moment,” he said.

“So to bring in two more guys will finish it off well.”

A seven-time Adelaide 36ers club MVP, Johnson has his focus firmly on his first title after tasting defeat twice during his 14-year NBL career.

“It’s winning a championship, the roster we will have this year will be really competitive,” he said.

“This year is a good year for us to really push for that and make it a goal.”

The 34-year-old believes coach CJ Bruton will thrive in his second year as head coach and can’t wait to connect with the new-look roster after his Commonwealth Games campaign.

“He (CJ) will be way more comfortable this year after being here for a year and being able to pick his roster, he’s put this together himself,” Johnson said.

“To have that three years locked in for him, he can build the team he wants.”

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