Wells says Kings will be big test

Adelaide 36ers head coach Mike Wells says the growth in his side will be on show when Sydney Kings visit the Entertainment Centre on Friday night.

After going down to the Kings 102-94 in the NBL25 opener at HoopsFest in Perth last month, the 36ers will face a Sydney twice within the first five games.

Wells said his side is prepared for the challenge and will make some adjustments from the opening round contest.

“We have a ton of respect for who they are and what they have,” Wells said.

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“We have obviously grown, we are in a different spot than we were a few weeks ago, but so are they.

“We will put a game plan together, compete, and see where we are at.”

Wells said the Kings have depth right across their roster and knowing the personnel will go a long way to success.

“They have a lot of different offensive weapons and some guys you really have to be dialed in on,” Wells said.

“They have some bigs who space the floor, then you have (Jaylen) Adams and (Xavier) Cooks at the rim, there is a bunch of different dynamics there.”

After coming off two wins last round, Wells said the defensive end has improved, but can make bigger strides.

“I thought our communication level went to another level,” Wells said.

“We were talking about the right things and it showed down the stretch (in Illawarra).

“We are a work in progress, we are still a young group, we have to figure those dynamics out with Trez (Montrezl Harrell) and Ice (Isaac Humphries).

“I think we can be a very good defensive team, I thought our attention to detail was a lot better.”

After Friday night’s home showdown with the Kings, Adelaide are on the road to play Melbourne United at John Cain Arena on Sunday.

But Wells has not thought about Sunday’s game yet, with all his efforts going into the Kings contest.

“I have not thought one per cent about that game, we are totally focused on Sydney right now.”

“They have so many weapons, knowing personnel is huge.”