New signing Franklin prepared to lead in NBL24

New Adelaide 36ers import guard Jamaal Franklin said he is looking to use his overseas playing experience during the NBL24 season.

Franklin arrived in Adelaide on Monday afternoon for his first professional contract in Australia after spending almost a decade playing in Asia.

“It feels great to finally be here, I’ll bring the veteran experience, I’ve been a professional now 11 years,” Franklin said.

The 32-year-old guard said he is ready to play the ‘closer’ role head coach CJ Bruton has wanted during the off-season.

“Making a new name for myself in a different place, that’s the goal,” Franklin said.

“My focus now is to come in and learn from everybody else and also bring what I can bring, which is a person that works hard, a professional, never bring any trouble to anything, just being myself.

READ MORE
Kell can't wait to get NBL24 season started
McCarron, Roxburgh lead Bearcats to NBL1 Central glory
Memberships records getting broken ahead of NBL24 season

“Coming here will give the team more support, and I’ll try to be a leader.”

Franklin was the first player in Chinese Basketball Association to record a 60-point triple double and had a 40-point quadruple double while playing for Adelaide 36ers new assistant coach Craig Simpson at Shanxi Brave Dragons.

The 196cm guard said Simpson was one of the main reasons he chose the 36ers after he reached out during the off-season.

“Coach Craig was my coach in Shanxi and we were very successful, I look forward to working with him again, he’s a great person, he helps me with film and being a consistent player,” Franklin said.