Vasiljevic set for new approach

Adelaide 36ers head coach Mike Wells said his side are finding ways to combat the defensive attention to captain DJ Vasiljevic.

Wells applauded Vasiljevic for his impact on games to start the NBL25 season, with opposition sides trying to limit his influence.

 “It’s a credit to him and his shooting that opposition teams are highlighting that they need to take that away,” Wells told SEN SA Breakfast this week.

“We will put him in a few different situations and in some different sets so he can get the ball.

“The ball has gravity, if they want to take DJ away, or Trez (Montrezl Harrell) away, that creates opportunities for others to get involved and make plays.”

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Wells said he was impressed with how his side responded in the second half of last Sunday’s 77-73 win against Tasmania JackJumpers, but knows his side need to start the game better this Friday night when the 36ers host Cairns Taipans at the Entertainment Centre.

“Our energy wasn’t where it was needed to be, but you saw some stuff in the second quarter, some hustle plays,” Wells said.

“I thought our pace and our tempo to start that third quarter and I give a lot of credit to the guys in the locker room at half time, everybody was dialed in.”

With the commitment of Harrell for the entire NBL25 season and the return of Jarell Martin from injury last week, Wells said his side have adjusted to having a full strength roster.

“Everybody is dialed in to this group and Trez brings a presence, he has a big personality, he’s got a loud voice and he’s a showman, and you can’t help but gain energy from what he is doing with the crowd,” Wells said.

“We are trying to get back into sync with Jarell, Jarell is a quiet guy, he goes about his game in a different way.

“It’s an interesting combination with those two.”

Currently sitting in fifth place on the NBL standings with a 4-3 record, Wells understands how big Friday night’s home clash against the Taipans is for his club.

“We really wanted to show everyone in Adelaide that we have a different approach, this is a different group,” Wells said.

“We appreciate the fans and how much they have supported us, we are trying to protect home court, I think its super important to win those home games.

“Winning games at home will set us up to be successful down the road.”

Adelaide 36ers will battle Cairns Taipans at the Entertainment Centre on Friday night from 7pm ACST, watch the game live and exclusive on ESPN via Kayo Sports.