Jacob Wiley says Adelaide 36ers will play hard against Utah Jazz next weekend
ADELAIDE 36ers US import Jacob Wiley is confident his new team can take it to the Utah Jazz next week after a strong pre-season in Australia.
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ADELAIDE 36ers US import Jacob Wiley is confident his new team can take it to the Utah Jazz next week after a strong pre-season in Australia.
The Sixers bounced back from consecutive losses in Perth to clean sweep the NBL Blitz in Victoria last weekend with wins over Melbourne, Sydney and Perth then brushed aside Cairns at home on Tuesday night.
Wiley made an immediate impact with his rebounding, shot blocking and scoring showing he promises to be a handy replacement for MVP Mitch Creek.
The 24-year-old has been to Vivint Smart Home Arena with the Brooklyn Nets and can tell the 36ers what to expect when they front up against Joe Ingles’ Jazz on October 5.
“It’s an incredible atmosphere in the arena and I’m just really excited for our team and the two leagues collaborating with all these games,” Wiley said.
“I think it’s going to expose the world to the talent we have in this league.
“I think this team plays extremely hard and when you play as hard as you do, you always have a chance no matter who you play.
“Obviously the NBA is the best league in the world and Utah is one of the better teams in the west, that’s an extremely tough conference.
“We’re going to be playing against guys like Joe Ingles who’s from here obviously and All-Stars like Donovan Mitchell, but I think we’re going to be fine.”
The 36ers fly out of Adelaide on Monday to prepare for their historic NBA pre-season clash which will be shown live on NBL TV and NBA league pass in Australia from 9.30am on Saturday, October 6.
The first of seven NBL/NBA games this week will be held on Saturday morning when Melbourne United plays the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center.
reece.homfray@news.com.au