'Opening round has always been circled': Bruton

Adelaide 36ers head coach CJ Bruton says the focus for his team has always been on the opening round of the NBL season.

The 36ers travel to Brisbane on Thursday for Friday night’s opening round battle against the Bullets at Nissan Arena and Bruton believes his side will be ready.

“Everyone was all smiles the past two years when we won in the pre-season, but that didn’t relate to the success we were after,” Bruton said.

“We have always been planning for the start of the NBL season.”

After winning only one of five pre-season matches, Bruton said he saw growth in the team, despite the results, which culminated in an 86-82 loss to Tasmania JackJumpers at the Gold Coast Convention Centre on Thursday night.

“It was great to see some new bodies in different positions and we made some adjustments,” Bruton said.

“The past few weeks haven’t been ideal, we have had injuries, we have had sickness and we are trying out some different looks with new players, which we can do as it’s pre-season.”

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Adelaide has not been at full strength in any of the five pre-season matches, but Bruton said the side has only been managing niggling injuries, with no concerns leading into Friday night’s opener.

“It’s been a struggle, but this is what makes a team,” Bruton said.

“We have been challenged and you have to embrace that challenge.”