Adelaide 36ers' veteran coach Trevor Gleeson is under the microscope as he aims to lead the team to their first NBL championship since 2002. With a largely unchanged roster, Gleeson faces the challenge of building on last season's runner-up finish and taking the 36ers to the pinnacle of the NBL.
Gleeson's journey to the top is not without obstacles. The Melbourne United, with their star-studded lineup, including Cole Anthony and Joe Ingles, pose a significant threat. Additionally, the reigning champions, the Kings, will be eager to defend their title. Gleeson acknowledges the formidable task ahead, stating, 'We're not there yet, we're starting to do our work now and we'll see how the journey goes.'
The pressure is on Gleeson, who is no stranger to high expectations. As a former NBA assistant coach and the mastermind behind the Perth Wildcats' success, he is expected to hit the ground running. Gleeson's philosophy is clear: 'You want to build what's already there, the chemistry, obviously they're a very, very tight group.'
However, Gleeson's approach is not without controversy. Some may argue that he is too cautious, not wanting to reinvent the wheel after the 36ers' close call. Others might question his ability to manage the pressure and expectations that come with being a coach in the NBL. Despite the challenges, Gleeson remains focused on the goal, stating, 'We've got a new challenge of getting to the top of the mountain.'
The 36ers' journey to the NBL championship will be a fascinating one, with Gleeson's leadership and strategic decisions under the microscope. Will he be able to guide the team to success, or will the pressure prove too much? Only time will tell as the NBL season unfolds.
