'Everyone is here for a reason': Vasiljevic

New Adelaide 36ers recruit DJ Vasiljevic says confidence has played a big part in Saturday night’s success against Perth Wildcats at the Entertainment Centre.

The two-time NBL champion scored 17 points, grabbed seven rebounds, and dished six assists in the win against the Wildcats and said the faith within the team has key in the 89-78 success.

“I won two championships I want to keep emphasising on building something here and building that culture,” Vasiljevic told SEN SA post-game.

“We believe that every person on our team is here for a reason, you saw that tonight from KG (Kyrin Galloway), goes bang, bang with some confidence, and ices the game.”

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Galloway scored 16 points and grabbed seven rebounds and was pivotal in the final quarter with two huge three-pointers.

“KG tonight, he missed couple early and had some turnovers, but come on, hit the next three, keep going, then he hit one, hit another and iced the game,” Vasiljevic said.

“He gets down at times, but that’s why we have got myself, Macca, Jase, the leaders to back our players.”

Isaac Humphries was the hero against the Wildcats, scoring a game-high 26 points to go with eight rebounds and three steals and Vasiljevic was thrilled with how the 211cm centre responded.

“A lot of people don’t know that Isaac and I played juniors together, we were both on the Australian Under-17 team,” Vasiljevic said.

“We won a silver medal at a World Cup and we both made the All-Star Five.

“I always knew Isaac had this type of game in him, it’s just about having that confidence.

“He is a bit goofy at times, but that’s Isaac Humphries and that’s why we all love him.”

In just his second game in 36ers colours, Vasiljevic said he feels at home already and is enjoying the added responsibility given to him by head coach CJ Bruton.

“We held a players meeting on Friday and to come out here and beat a very, very talented team in front of a great crowd is incredible,” Vasiljevic said.

“That’s one of the reasons why I came here. I haven’t been shooting the ball great, I think people have been playing me two metres above the three (point line).

“I want to take on that point guard responsibility, I came back here for a reason, I want to be here and go out and win and make that playoff push for the Sixers.

“Jason Cadee always says about the importance of the first five minutes, and I take responsibility for that being in the starters and I got to get going, I got to get Isaac going, Trey going, Jacob going.

“We have to enjoy the win, but you know we have to now focus on New Zealand.”

Adelaide travel to Auckland on Wednesday for Thursday night’s showdown against New Zealand Breakers, catch all the action live on ESPN via Kayo Sports from 5pm SA time.