Rasmussen Ready to Rise

There is something different about pulling on a jersey for the team you grew up watching. For Keanu Rasmussen, that feeling is what ultimately brought him back to the Adelaide 36ers.

Coming off contract at the end of NBL26, Rasmussen had decisions to make. But when he sat with the options in front of him, the answer kept coming back to the same place.

"Being in Adelaide,” Rasmussen said.

“It's pretty special to be able to play for the team that you grew up watching, where you grew up.

"Once you get to put that uniform on, it's pretty special.

"Just being around such a talented group, learning off some of these great players that we have - all the coaches, and Trev (Gleeson) coming in - I think it's a good spot for me to continue my development and my growth as a player."

One of the most compelling reasons to return to Adelaide this season is the arrival of Trevor Gleeson as head coach - a five-time NBL Championship winner whose pedigree speaks for itself.

Rasmussen knows of Gleeson's work from his Perth Wildcats alongside his now Sixers’ teammate Bryce Cotton and has since spoken to players who played under Gleeson in Japan.

"He's one of the legendary NBL coaches - five championships," Rasmussen said. "The boys I've spoken to over here (in New Zealand) who played in the Japan league only say good things about him. It's exciting.

“I'm looking forward to getting over there and playing under him and seeing what the season holds."

NBL26 was not the season Rasmussen had envisioned. Coming off a standout NBL1 Central campaign with West Adelaide where he claimed MVP honours, the expectation was that he would take a significant step forward in his role with the Sixers. Minutes, however, were harder to come by on a deep and talented roster.

"Every player wants to play," he admitted. "But when you're on such a good team, there are sacrifices you have to make.

“I had a strong season before and a strong off-season, but it was just part of it, being patient, waiting for my time to come.

"Early on it was tough, just not knowing what my role was going to be but I had to talk to myself, even talk to my family.

“You're still pretty lucky to be in the situation you're in.

“If you're just positive and come with good energy every day, you can still make a big impact on the team and contribute to winning."

That attitude made him one of the most respected players in the group and ultimately played a role in the club's desire to retain him.

The highlight of Rasmussen's season arrived at exactly the right moment.

A call-up to the New Zealand national team saw him pull on the Tall Blacks jersey in two 2027 FIBA World Cup Qualifiers in February and March.

"That was very special," Rasmussen said. "It was a little boost during the season, which was nice, especially at that time.

“Being able to represent my country was very special.

"I'd definitely love to continue that journey with the Tall Blacks and put that uniform on again."

To ensure he enters NBL27 in the best possible shape, Rasmussen has taken his offseason to New Zealand, suiting up for the Hawke's Bay Hawks in the NZNBL - a competition he has a genuine affection for.

"I played here two seasons ago in 2024 and really enjoyed it, enjoyed the environment," he said. 

"The New Zealand league is a really good league. We get a lot of good locals, good imports, and a lot of NBL guys come over, so the competition is at a high level."

When the NZNBL wraps up, Rasmussen's focus will turn entirely to making NBL27 the season that defines his career to this point.

Asked about his personal ambitions for the campaign, his answer was telling. Yes, he wants a more solidified role but the bigger picture looms larger than individual statistics.

"One of the biggest things coming off last season was getting more of a solidified role in the team," he said.

"But the biggest goal is getting that championship. Whether it's the same kind of role as last season or a bit more. Especially going after last season it's still a huge motivation. I think most of the boys would feel the same.

“We want to come out on top at the end of the season and go home with the championship."