Nathan Sobey leaves Adelaide 36ers after five years

Adelaide 36ers vice captain Nathan Sobey has officially quit the club amid speculation he is poised to sign with the Brisbane Bullets.

Adelaide 36ers vice captain Nathan Sobey has quit the club after five seasons. Picture: Sarah Reed.

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ADELAIDE 36ers vice captain Nathan Sobey has officially quit the club amid speculation he is poised to sign with the Brisbane Bullets.

It’s understood Sobey had signed a heads-of-agreement with Adelaide mid-season and as recently as the club’s presentation night was still planning to stay, but he never signed a contract and has quit.

He confirmed his departure on Instagram on Monday saying he wanted to thank the club and its fans.

“First off I want to thank the Adelaide 36ers organisation, fans, and community for everything they have done for me and my family over the past 5 years,” Sobey wrote.

“There are also a lot of people behind the scenes that do not get the recognition and I can not thank them enough for the time and effort they put into me and the club.

“I’d also like to give a massive shoutout to my teammates - you have all become like brothers to me and I know I will hold life long friendships with all of you.

“The last 5 years has had a lot of ups and downs but I have grown and enjoyed my time as a Sixer. Adelaide will always be a part of our lives, a lot of memories have been made that will stay with us forever. Again Adelaide, THANK YOU!!!”

Sobey, 28, won Adelaide’s defensive player of the year for the second time in a row this season and was voted vice captain behind skipper Daniel Johnson at the club’s pre-season trip to Utah.

According to reports, the Victorian-born Boomers guard is expected to link up with national coach Andrej Lemanis at the Bullets on a long-term deal ahead of this year’s FIBA World Cup and next year’s 2020 Tokyo Olympics.

Sobey averaged 16 points and five rebounds this season as the 36ers fell from grand finalist to missing the finals.

Adelaide chief executive Ben Kavenagh said Sobey had told the club of his decision to leave and the 36ers were in “lots of discussions” about a replacement.

“He’s notified the club of his decision and we thank him for his service, and wish him all the best going forward,” Kavenagh said.

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