Franks confident in 36ers' new focus

Adelaide 36ers power forward Robert Franks says the team is heading in the right direction ahead of a trip to Perth to play the Wildcats at RAC Arena on Thursday night.

Franks was pleased with how the 36ers played in Auckland, despite an 89-83 loss to the Breakers at Trusts Arena.

“It feels good where we are heading, especially the New Zealand game, they are top of the ladder right now and it just came down to a couple of missed shots,” Franks said.

“To go out there and show that we can defend them and show that we can play at a high level was very good for us.

“Our spirits are high, and we got to try and go and get one in Perth.”

The 201cm power forward was particularly thrilled with the performance of Kyrin Galloway, who netted 13 points at 100 per cent against the Breakers.

“I was KG’s (Galloway) biggest fan, and it just shows you how deep we are as a team,” Franks said.

“One man down and the other man is ready to get up and contribute, I am very happy for him.

“It’s just really good to see him go out there and step up.

“It keeps everyone competitive knowing they have to go out there and perform.”

Franks said the return of Kai Sotto for Thursday night’s battle in Perth will be huge after the 218cm centre missed last Sunday’s game due to Visa complications.

“He is going to be big for us, we missed him last game, just his presence, he’s been playing really well,” Franks said.

“He’s gaining in confidence every game, so it’s going to be huge to have our big guy back.”

Adelaide will head to Perth looking to reverse a 94-89 loss against the Wildcats on Brett Maher Court before the FIBA window break.

“It’s very tough, it’s a very historical place to play and it’s not an easy place to win in,” Franks said.

“You have to deal with Bryce Cotton, it’s going to be a challenge and we are ready for the challenge.

“I don’t think you can shut him (Cotton) down; he is so ball-dominated, but we have a lot of guys starting with AC (Cleveland) that can slow him down.

“We have responded well on the road this year, that’s an environment you want to thrive in.”

Franks said the team are thriving and despite the 4-5 record, he is confident a change in fortune is just around the corner.

“We are in high spirits, continuing to get better, everybody sees it, everybody feels the energy kind of shift within the group,” Franks said.

“I’m not content where we are at, but it’s a good place to be and we are going to continue to grow and give each other confidence to be better.”