Improved Adelaide 36ers set for NBL rematch with Melbourne United

Adelaide have declared that they are a better team than last year’s minor premiership-winning outfit.

Adelaide 36ers import Alan Wiggins Jr. Picture: Tricia Watkinson

Adelaide have declared that they are a better team than last year’s minor premiership-winning outfit ahead of today’s rematch with Melbourne United.

Despite the loss of league MVP Jerome Randle in the off-season, the 36ers are top of the table after a 26-point win in Cairns on Thursday. Coach Joey Wright said there is no question this season’s outfit are already an improvement on the team that crashed out in last season’s semi-finals. “Definitely we are a better team, definitely,” Wright said.

“This time last year we were screaming about defence but this year we are not doing that.”

The 36ers are flying high despite being down an import after the injury debacle with Ronald Roberts. However, they have replenished their stocks with the signing of Alan Wiggins Jr.

Wright said the forward will play against United today.

“He’s a tweener, he’s 6’7’ plays a little on the inside, a little on the outside; he’s a veteran we will use him how we need him, we will use him as a utility,” Wright said.

Wiggins Jr joins a squad looking for revenge against Melbourne, who defeated the 36ers by two points in the season-opener.

Taipans coach Aaron Fearne said Adelaide’s run-and-gun game plan will give other clubs pause for thought all season.

“They are such a high level of athleticism and quickness; they come at you put it in the bucket but they’ll run it down your throat, I could see it in their eyes,” Fearne said.

AAP