Kell says pre-season focus continues to build

Adelaide swingman Trey Kell isn’t concerned about facing his old side South East Melbourne Phoenix in his 36ers debut on Friday night in Mount Gambier.

Kell, who averaged 12.5 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.8 assists per game for the Phoenix during the NBL23 season, said the team is focused on their new style of play.

“I’m not too worried it’s against Phoenix, the biggest thing is it’s the first game for us and the first opportunity to play against someone different, that’s always nice at this time of year,” Kell told media on Wednesday.

“We get a better gauge as to where we are at, it gets to a point where everyone knows everyone else’s plays (at practice) you kind of pick up and what everyone is going to do, so to play against a different opponent is great to see how we react.

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“CJ wants to focus on us, see how we react to what they do and go off our base principles, not worry too much about the scout, that will be more for the regular season.”

The 193cm swingman said for the new-look roster to get away and travel during the pre-season is a fantastic way to gel and come together as a group ahead of the regular season, which starts in Brisbane on September 29.

“You always have to take advantage of trips like these, where you get the chance to get to know the guys better off the court,” Kell said.

“I think that builds the best chemistry and the best teams, so this will be a good chance for us to bond a little bit.”

Kell has been in Adelaide for almost three weeks now and said the NBL24 pre-season has been challenging but very enjoyable as the team look to build chemistry.

“I like it (Adelaide) a lot, it’s real chill here, when it’s cold it’s not that cold, I’m by the beach, so that’s always nice,” Kell said.

The 2022 Italian League champion with Olimpia Milano said his role in CJ Bruton’s side will not be the same as the one he had at South East Melbourne last season.

“A little bit different, I’ll be used a bit differently in this offense to last year, talking to the coaches I’m excited to see how the product will look on Friday,” Kell said.

He’s also super excited to challenge the rim and score the ball more in NBL24, with the green light shining bright at the offensive end.

“I believe so (got the green light), no one has told me I haven’t, if I don’t get told I haven’t got it, I’ll just keep it rolling,” Ell said.