Sotto impresses Bruton in NBL Blitz

Adelaide 36ers coach CJ Bruton has praised emerging big man Kai Sotto, after an impressive display down the stretch against Illawarra last Thursday night.

Sotto’s numbers weren't huge, but it was the matter in which he was able to stand tall late in the game that impressed Bruton most.

He scored six last quarter points and registered a huge block with the game in the balance, as Adelaide came from behind to win by seven points and claim NBL Blitz champions’ honours.

"I thought Kai was really amazing, how he bounced back. He got on the rim and finished and became a target for us," Bruton said.

"His level of activity helped shift the needle for us to know we can play with length and size.”

Sotto played limited minutes in the opening two games in Darwin, but his performance against Illawarra is sure to have him pushing for more action come the regular season.

Bruton said Adelaide's 'effort' was what helped it back from a 19-point deficit.

"It was all about the effort levels for us, we gave them what they wanted (the Hawks) and if we want to be a team to compete at the end of the season, we have to play defence," Bruton said.

"We have a lot of talented guys at the offensive end and that showed, but ultimately, we have to get stops and they were stretching us and making the game at their tempo.

"We changed the game by pushing the pace, but have to be committed to the defensive side of the ball. We need to get after it, getting deflections and steals, and running back down the floor."

After three wins from three games at the Blitz, the 36ers now prepare to take on NBA teams the Phoenix Suns and Oklahoma City Thunder in the USA from October 2. 

Their first NBL season games will come in Round 3 against the Tasmania JackJumpers and Illawarra Hawks, with box fixtures at home.