Nathan Sobey reminds Utah of his potential and draws high praise after 25 points in loss to Jazz

NATHAN Sobey could well find himself back in Utah in the NBA summer league next year after drawing high praise from the Jazz by dropping 25 points against them on Saturday.

NATHAN Sobey could well find himself back in Utah in the NBA summer league next year after drawing high praise from the Jazz by dropping 25 points against them on Saturday.

Adelaide’s energetic shooting guard went head-to-head with Donovan Mitchell and more than held his own as the 36ers pushed their NBA rival for three quarters before tiring to lose 129-99 in Salt Lake City.

Sobey trained with Utah in the 2017 summer league but was restricted by a groin injury and unable to show his true worth.

Nathan Sobey #20 of the Adelaide 36ers attempts to drive around Joe Ingles #2 of the Utah Jazz. Picture: Getty Images

But back at Vivint Smart Home Arena on the weekend all of his explosiveness was on display with four rebounds and four assists to go with his 25 points and some serious hustle on defence.

Joe Ingles led the chorus of support for Sobey, describing him as a “freak athletically” who matched his bigger and stronger rivals on the big stage.

“I love the kid, he plays his arse off and he’s got that mentality of trying to take over a game and dominate a game,” Ingles said.

“Obviously he got cut by the Jazz in summer league last year so he was probably a bit dirty on that too. He played really well.”

Utah coach Quin Snyder said “We’re Nathan Sobey fans”.

“We had him for summer league and he’s a heck of a player and heck of a kid and it was a pleasure to have him with our group, I think Joey knows he’s got a good player,” he said.

Mitchell, who is one of the most explosive and exciting guards in the NBA, said Sobey deserved a shot at the big-time.

“He’s improved a lot since last year, he always had a good pace and feel for the game, but I think he played with a big chip on his shoulder and I respect that,” Mitchell said.

“I think he deserves it (NBA chance), he plays with such poise and such confidence that if he gets his opportunity he’ll succeed.”

Mitchell and Sobey spoke briefly post-match before leaving the court.

“I’d seen him in the warm-ups as well and we embraced seeing each other again, they’re awesome people, really look out for others same with Joe (Ingles) and the coaches up the line, it’s a credit to their whole organisation,” Sobey said.

Nathan Sobey #20 of the Adelaide 36ers passes around the defence of Royce O'Neale #23 of the Utah Jazz. Picture: Getty Images

“He (Mitchell) got me in the baseline one time there and dunked it. Their talent speaks for themselves, they’re some of the best in the world and have proven it time and time again so it’s just great to get the opportunity to line up on them.”

Sobey said his team could be proud of its efforts but they could also learn a lot from the experience going into the NBL season which begins with Perth at home on Thursday night.

“There were definitely a lot of positives and we’ll go back and watch film and learn from it,” Sobey said.

“Finishing games we need to do a better job of that, we let it get out of hand a bit at the end, but the group can hold their heads high with the effort we gave especially early.

“We really stuck at it and that’s a huge bonus, we’ve got guys who are going to step up even more throughout the season so that’s a big confidence booster.”

The 36ers play the Wildcats at home on Thursday followed by Andrew Bogut’s Sydney King’s in Sydney on Saturday.

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Originally published as Nathan Sobey reminds Utah of his potential and draws high praise after 25 points in loss to Jazz