DJ to play at Commonwealth Games

Adelaide 36ers star big man Daniel Johnson will play for Australia at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.

The 212cm centre said it was a huge honour to get the opportunity to represent the green and gold in the 3x3 tournament on the world stage.

“It’s very exciting to be going to the Games,” Johnson said.

“This all come about very quickly, but we will be over there later this month.”

Johnson was apart of Australia’s gold medal winning FIBA 3x3 Asia Cup team earlier this month in Singapore, making the side after fellow 36ers teammate Anthony Drmic told him about the trials.

“I actually found out through Drmic that the try outs were on and it would be kind of cool,” Johnson said.

“We got out there and learnt the new style of game.

“I have never played it before, I watched it a bit, but it keeps you in shape in the off-season, it’s pretty tough and physical.”

Johnson said there were a lot of differences between 3x3 and the NBL.

“It feels like you’re always involved in the game, there’s no resting, it’s short and sweet,” Johnson said.

“You’re flat out for 10 minutes straight and it’s a lot more physical.”

This is the first time 3x3 basketball has been included in the Commonwealth Games after the sports debut in the Tokyo Olympics.

“There’s Olympics and Commonwealth Games to look at now for 3x3, so it’s another team to try and make,” Johnson said.

Congratulations DJ!