Vasiljevic: 'I got a lot belief in this group'

Adelaide 36ers guard DJ Vasiljevic has faith his side can turn their NBL24 season around under new head coach Scott Ninnis.

Vasiljevic, who scored a game-high 30 points in Adelaide’s 116-101 loss to Cairns Taipans at home on Saturday night, said the changes Ninnis is implementing will have a great effect on the team.

“I think we are right there, it’s just some little things, we didn’t have much time to prepare for Saturday’s game, we just went with the flow, we just ran out of legs,” Vasiljevic told reporters on Tuesday.

“New bodies, new coach, I think we will be solid, I got a lot of belief in this group.

“Defensively we are just trying to mix things up a bit, trying to be an unpredictable team, we are the wounded dog, we just play with pride and effort and anything can happen.”

Vasiljevic was proud in how his side responded after the club and former head coach CJ Bruton mutually agreed to part ways last Wednesday.

“Scotty took over the reigns, I think we did a really good job on Saturday and now we have a big test against United,” Vasiljevic said.

“We have got to stay locked in and it’s become a little bit more simplier, trainings have been really good.

“We showed it on Saturday, the intensity, the effort, the pride. We didn’t win, but it’s a stepping stone in the right direction.”

Adelaide will travel to Melbourne on Friday for Saturday night’s showdown with United at John Cain Arena from 7.30pm ACDT.