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New Adelaide coach CJ Bruton has a championship vision for the 36ers

Matt Logue NCA NewsWire
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Camera IconNot Supplied Credit: News Corp Australia

New Adelaide 36ers coach CJ Bruton has vowed to return the franchise to its glory years, declaring: “We will play an exciting brand of basketball to put us in the best position to target the championship.”

The 36ers' search for a new coach is over after the franchise secured former Boomer and NBL legend Bruton on a three-year deal.

The 45-year-old is one of the league’s all-time greats, debuting in 1994 and completing an illustrious 516-game career in 2014.

Bruton won a record-equalling six NBL championships that cemented his place as one of the best to ever hit the court in Australia.

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Given his reputation as a “coach on the floor” and possessing strong leadership skills throughout his playing career, an eventual move to coaching seemed inevitable.

Following head coaching and assistant stints in Puerto Rico and Brisbane via the Spartans and the Bullets, Bruton feels like he is ready to take charge of an NBL roster.

He is particularly excited about Adelaide’s potential and the challenge of helping the proud franchise return to its finest years when it won championships in 1986, 1998, 1999 and 2002.

“I believe the current roster packs a lot of power and once the remaining pieces are put into place, we will be able to play an exciting brand of basketball and put us in the best position to make the playoffs and target the championship,” Bruton said.

“I believe what I will bring the 36ers franchise will go beyond just winning games, but I also believe in creating and maintaining a culture that future players are excited to be a part of.

“The 36ers have a deep history, some of the most loyal fans in the league that always show passion and love for their club. We’re ready. Let’s do this.”

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Camera IconCJ Bruton won a championship with the Brisbane Bullets. Peter Cronin Credit: News Corp Australia

Bruton boasts significant international experience as a player having represented the Australian Boomers at the Olympic Games in Athens 2004, Beijing 2008, the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne 2006 and the World Championships in Japan also in 2006.

In all, he represented the “green and gold” with distinction 104 times.

Bruton was named as an assistant coach for the Australian Boomers gold medal-winning 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games campaign.

36ers general manager of basketball Jeff Van Groningen previously prioritised Bruton as a key recruit during his time at the Brisbane Bullets and the then-point guard contributed heavily in securing the 2007 NBL championship.

Van Groningen has seen Bruton succeed, so he has full faith in him to do likewise at the 36ers.

“CJ is a special person, a talented leader and is absolutely ready for this opportunity,” Van Groningen said.

“I’ve seen first-hand the positive, winning effect he has on those around him. It’s an intangible but it’s so important and will help us achieve great things over these next few seasons.”

 

 

Originally published as New Adelaide coach CJ Bruton has a championship vision for the 36ers

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