Sixer Kenyon keen for test against former side

You don’t need to remind Matt Kenyon that the last time the Adelaide 36ers played South East Melbourne he was in Phoenix colours.

That was back in February, and that night the Victorian side ended Adelade’s first NBL finals campaign in seven seasons 105-99 at John Cain Arena.

While the Sixers have seen a lot of change to the line-up that took the court in that game, there are enough players who were there who remember what happened.

“It's been mentioned a couple of times,” Kenyon smiled when asked about the game before training on Tuesday.

“But I'm in these colours now and I'm happy to be here.”

Kenyon had four blocks, five rebounds and an assist in 19 minutes of game time in that game.

It was one of his 50 games in Phoenix colours across two seasons and while he reflects fondly on his time there, he is looking forward to facing some old teammates at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Thursday night.

“(Especially) Jordie Hunter,” he said. “I love seeing him on the court. He's a good mate of mine, and I might go with him.

“I think it's always interesting versing your old side. (There’s) a few familiar faces, maybe a little bit more juice in the legs, but, yeah, it's another good test for us early on in the season.

“They're very good defensively, quite similar to how Sydney were, so I'm sure they'll be up full court and making things tough, so it's gonna be a good challenge for us.”

Kenyon has enjoyed the shift to Adelaide so far.

The regular surfer admits he’s yet to find time to hit the surf just yet, but likes what he has seen of the city so far.

“I'm really enjoying it actually, it's really nice,” he told reporters.

“I grew up in a small town, so (there’s) similar vibes, it’s nice and small, kind of get to know everyone pretty quick and the group's really good, so I'm enjoying it.”

While admitting the 36ers group was still finding its way having experienced significant roster turnover in the off-season, Kenyon said the side was focussed on being balanced in its approach to each game, regardless of results, and he was happy to play whatever part was required to help the team win.

“I've played high minutes, I've played low minutes throughout the season, so whatever the team needs me to do, I'm happy to do, but I'm really enjoying the group,” Kenyon said.

“We had a good start and then obviously had a bit of a rough one on Saturday, but it's a good learning lesson for the group, I think, especially early on.

“I have a lot of experience now; I've been playing for 9 years professionally, and I think that experience goes a long way.

“It's pretty easy to get really high when things are good and really low when things are bad, but kind of staying in that middle area and just ticking along every day.

“In any professional season, it's a lot of highs, a lot of lows, but if you can stay in that middle area and just keep chipping away day to day, you'll be in a good spot come the end of season.”

The Sixers host the Phoenix at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Thursday at 7pm with limited tickets still available.