Training, team-building and thriving

Exciting recruit Zylan Cheatham says the Adelaide 36ers are taking part in team activities to build a bond both on and off the court ahead of their first pre-season game next week.

One of six new signings on the 36ers roster this season, Cheatham arrived in Adelaide from Arizona in the United States on Monday and has jumped straight into training with his new teammates.

The 29-year-old forward is an energetic presence amongst the group and will travel with the side to Canberra next week to take part in the NBL Blitz pre-season tournament.

But with Flynn Cameron and Montrezl Harrell yet to arrive and just seven days until the first Blitz game against Illawarra, Cheatham and the side are finding ways to learn about each other, both on and off the court.

“I mean obviously you've got to put in your defensive and offensive concepts,” Cheatham said after training on Wednesday.

“You've got to try to gel as best as possible in the short time, but I think for us the big thing is the communication aspect… just kind of learning each other and developing those relationships off the court.

“We're doing different activities to try to learn about each other and stuff like that, so I think this is a group that's very talented on the court so the big thing that's going to move the needle is that relationship.”

Head coach Mike Wells has been firm on building a strong culture in the locker room with the significant changes to the playing roster in the off-season and Cheatham says relationship building and communication are critical to that.

“Establishing that identity, establishing that culture,” the athletic forward explained.  

“Those are the things that matter when it comes March (in Finals) and right now we're just trying to take it step by step, build it brick by brick and I think we're doing the right things.”

Cheatham is coming off a 60-game season for Nagoya in Japan, where he averaged 12.2 points, 7.5 rebounds and 3.2 assists.

His career has also taken him to Bayern Munich in Germany along with NBA stints with the Utah Jazz and New Orleans Pelicans.

And having lined up with the New Zealand Breakers two seasons ago, he is thrilled to be back in the NBL and this time as part of a rejuvenated Sixers line-up.

“It's a dream come true to say the least,” Cheatham said.

“I mean, obviously it's a very talented group, high -level coaching staff, high -level organisation, and it's been nothing short of that since I've been here.

“I've been accepted and we're having some good practices, so it's really exciting.

“I tried to come in with no expectations. I have a couple guys that played here formerly so I had a couple things that I heard about it, but I came in with a clean slate and I just really wanted to get my own feel for it.

“It's pretty much exceeded everything that I thought so far but I'm interested to see how it goes with this year.”

Cheatham is expected to thrive as he comes to terms with his new surrounds.

But there are still some things he is getting used to in Adelaide.

“I wouldn't necessarily say this is like the weather that I was expecting, I mean obviously coming from Arizona I was used to 115 degrees (Fahrenheit) and stuff, so getting off the plane and it being a little bit cold I've kind of struggled with it a little bit,” he smiled.

“But man, it's been a joy. I mean every restaurant I've went to I've got nothing but love.

“It seems like a very family-type environment and that's something I thrive in.”

The Sixers will play NBL Blitz games against reigning NBL champion Illawarra a week from Wednesday and Tasmania three days later.