Ninnis says focus firmly on Taipans test

Adelaide 36ers head coach Scott Ninnis says his side has grown belief over the past month, especially after last week’s two wins on the road.

The 36ers went on a six-day road trip to Melbourne and Wollongong and came back to South Australia with two wins and have now won four of the past five matches.

Ninnis said the faith in the group has grown and the improvements can be seen on the floor.

“To string together two back-to-back wins against quality opponents, especially against Illawarra on the back end of a road trip was pleasing,” Ninnis told FiveAA this week.

“There is a lot of belief within the group now that whoever we come up against there’s an expectation we are going to perform well and win games.”

Adelaide’s next assignment is back on home court this Saturday night against Cairns Taipans, a side Ninnis knows will never give up.

“We owe them one – we should have beaten them up there two weeks ago,” Ninnis said.

Ninnis said power forward Kyrin Galloway will be in the starting line-up, even with the hope Jacob Wiley returns from a heel injury.

“It’s all about opportunity and Wiley goes down and KG gets the start and that first quarter against the Phoenix was outstanding, he had 14 points, hits two three-pointers and had two massive dunks, it really set the tone for us,” Ninnis said.

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“I ended up playing him 35 minutes (against Illawarra), the most in the team and he had some big plays especially in the fourth quarter.

“The sky has always been the limit for him, he has a very bright future.”

Trey Kell has been one of the key components to the 36ers’ turnaround after his move to point guard, averaging 23.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 5.2 assists per game in the past six outings.

“I would like to take credit for that, but it was something we were looking at before I took over and was in the works anyway,” Ninnis said.

“It’s been a revelation, since he has got his feet wet in that position, which is one he has played before but not for a number of years.

“He has been one of the best players in the competition.”

Ninnis said all his side must focus on is Saturday night’s assignment despite keeping their Play-In chances alive.

“You always dare to dream, every time you go into a season you want to win a championship, but the loss column is the problem for us right now,” Ninnis said.

“To have 14 losses already we pretty much have to win the last five games.

“The only thing we have to concern ourselves about is Saturday night against Cairns.”

Adelaide will battle Cairns Taipans this Saturday night at the Entertainment Centre from 5pm ACDT, watch all the action live and exclusive on ESPN via Kayo Sports.