Gleeson’s mixed feelings about Perth return

Adelaide 36ers Head Coach Trevor Gleeson has admitted to having some nerves ahead of his return to Perth for the first time in his new colours.

Gleeson spent eight seasons in Western Australia, guiding the Perth Wildcats to five NBL Championships.

After five years away, he will return with the Sixers on Thursday night and says he has mixed feelings.

“A little bit excited, nervous, and really, for me, just in person, I never got to say goodbye because I left when COVID was on,” he told waiting media when departing Adelaide Airport on Wednesday.

“They supported me for eight years, so I'd like to say thanks.

“You're going to see all the jerseys, the championships up in the rafters and, you know, I'd put everything in - my heart and soul - in eight years into Perth, so it's a special place in my heart, and I'm a little bit nervous, apprehensive, scared, all the above.”

Most of all Gleeson is unsure what kind of reception he will get back at RAC Arena.

“The Wildcats and the Red Army, they're very knowledgeable,” he explained.

“They're very passionate, so I'm looking forward to reconnecting with them.”

Gleeson is optimistic import John Jenkins will be able to take the court, having missed the season opening win over Melbourne United with a back complaint.

The sharpshooting veteran has trained strongly this week but will be a gametime decision.

Gleeson confirmed Isaac Humphries would again miss while Flynn Cameron won’t feature either after suffering an ankle injury against United.

Someone who will be there is Bryce Cotton, the six-time NBL MVP.

It will be the Sixers captain’s 300th NBL game and it hadn’t gone unnoticed by Gleeson that the milestone will fall in Perth, where Cotton won three championships.

“It’s so ironic, isn't it?,” he smiled.

“Everything is centred around Perth when those happen.

“I was very fortunate to see his first NBL game. I think he dropped 27 points in Sydney and a win.

“It's a blessing to be able now coaching him in his 300th game.

“He's just been a quality player, quality person. He's raised the bar for imports in this league for the last nine years, and it's great that the Red Army get to get to see him on his 300, even though it's the opposition.”

Cotton on Tuesday revealed he never expected to stay in Australia beyond his initial six-week contract with the Wildcats in 2017 and Gleeson admitted he didn’t expect him to still be in the NBL ten seasons later.

“You know, we didn't even offer him a contract at the end of the year because I thought he was gonna go to Europe or the NBA,” Gleeson explained.

“But I’m so glad he did have an enjoyable experience.

“We had a great squad in there and he got that passion back to play so, yeah, I wouldn't have thought I was coaching him in 300 without a question.”

The 36ers will take on the Wildcats from 9:00pm ACST on Thursday night.

If you can’t be in Perth for the game, you can catch all the action live on ESPN via Kayo or Disney+.

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