Haven’t been following the Adelaide36ers in the NBL this season?
The 36ers are in their first NBL Grand Final in 12 years in what shapes as a last-to-first sporting fairytale.
Their championship tilt, starting Monday, follows a two-games-to-one win in the semi-finals against the Melbourne Tigers 102-63 at Adelaide Arena.
Adelaide 36ers General Manager,Dean Parker was elated after the win.
“It’s an unbelievable change; we were wooden spooners last year and now we’re planning for a grand final series,” Parker said.
New head coach Joey Wright has played a huge role in turning the 36ers around.
American import Gary Ervin is another impressive addition to the team this year.
He will be back in action for the Grand Final after serving a one game suspension in the semi finals playoff.
Hungry for victory, the 36ers now play the Perth Wildcats aiming to swap the wooden spoon for the silver cup.
The rival teams have met four times this season, the last at Adelaide Arena in March, where the 36ers won 102-79.
The Grand Final is a best-of-three games playoff with Perth Wildcats hosting the first game after finishing top of the NBL ladder after the minor rounds.
The Wildcats are pursuing a sixth NBL Championship; the 36ers have won four.
The star Adelaide players to keep an eye on are:
– Adam Gibson: The captain, he’s still got a minor foot injury but as the most experienced player he can orchestrate the match.
– Daniel Johnson: At 212cm Adelaide’s leading scorer is hard to match up.
– Gary Ervin: Former NBA draftee, and 2011 NBL Most Valuable Player – this key playmaker can inspire the team with his skilful abilities.
– Jason Cadee: After really stepping up in Ervin’s semi-final absence he is sure to come out in full force.
The first grand final game will be held in Perth on Monday night, round two of the battle is at Adelaide Arena on Friday and if necessary, a deciding third match in Perth on Sunday 13 April.
Game 1 Tip-off: Monday 7th April 9:30pm, Perth Arena
Game 2 Tip-off: Friday 11th April 7:00pm (local), Adelaide Arena
Game 3 Tip-off (if necessary): Sunday 13th April time TBC, Perth Arena
Broadcast: Watch the games live on ONE HD and NBL.TV
Adult tickets start from $40.
Members can purchase their season ticket seats from 12 noon Thursday 3 April to 12 noon Monday, 7 April 2014.
The remaining tickets go on sale to the public at 2:00pm on Monday 7 April.
