Adelaide, South Australia – The Sydney Kings, led by Andrew Bogut came into Titanium Security Arena with the sole purpose of stopping a 10-game losing streak against Joey Wright (head Coach) and the Adelaide 36ers. Sydney’s four veterans delivered a 93–81 win on the road, which showed why they were preseason championship contenders.
Adelaide, with Ramone Moore back from injury after missing four games came off the bench but did little to make a dent in the Kings shooting and team basketball. It was Sydney’s big four with Bogut (8 points, 13 rebounds, 4 blocks), Brad Newley (26 points, 4-7 3pt, 6 rebounds), Kevin Lisch (20 points, 3-6 3pt) and Jerome Randle (23 points, 5 assists, 3-6 3pt) that shut out Adelaide.
Adelaide in return had below average contributions from its usual stars, Nathan Sobey (10 points in 33 minutes, four rebounds, four assists and five turnovers) and Daniel Johnson with 14 points and eight rebounds. However, Harry Froling came off the bench and provided the 36ers with a break out performance. Froling showed his ability in the high pick and pop and in knocking down the 3 ball (3-of-7). He also didn’t take a back step to NBA veteran Bogut going at the big man in the post and off the dribble. Froling showed that his shot fake and penetration of the dribble can compete with the best and his finishing around the rim was outstanding. Froling finished 7-of-12 shooting and was 6-of-7 from the foul line. He rebounded aggressively, finishing with seven rebounds, all in 17.33 mins of game time.
From the outset the Kings methodically outworked and out-shot the 36ers. At the first break Sydney had established a 12-point lead (27-15) on 11-of-20 from the field including 5-of-8 from the 3pt line. Bogut was huge in the paint, protecting the rim and anything that came his way. His inside presence was noticed in the stands as well from the 36ers players as he worked his way to 13 rebounds and four blocks before getting into foul trouble and sitting out most of the third quarter.
Newley was running the floor in transition and finishing the break with easy layups, also knocking down 3’s finishing 4-of-7 from distance. His shot 11-of-16 for his game high 26 points and his six rebounds allowed him to start the break and attack Adelaide’s poor defensive transition.
Randle was back in Adelaide and was set on making a statement. His ability to split the high pick and roll and get himself into the paint is world class. He attacks all switches that Adelaide seemed to put him in and allowed him to get off whatever shot he created for himself. Randle also found himself in foul trouble late in the game but Adelaide didn’t capitalise on this as defensively.
Lisch, the two-time NBL MVP was outstanding. The lefty was 5-of-10 from the field with 3-of-6 from 3pt range. Lisch has the ability to work his way into the game and hit big shots or make big plays when needed. He also gets to the line with his aggressive driving nature, using pin downs and the pick and roll game to his advantage. Lisch was 7- of-10 from the foul line when the Kings as a team were 11-of-16.
Overall, Sydney came into Adelaide with a solid game plan and executed, shooting 47 percent (35-of-74) from the field on 12-of-24 from 3pt land. Adelaide needed more contributions from their starters and shot only 42 percent (29-of-68) from the field and only 3-of-16 (18%) from 3pt range. The take away from this encounter was Harry Froling’s contribution and aggressive style that may put him on the NBA radar.
This article was written by Darren Golley, a correspondent and scout for NetScouts Basketball. You can follow us on Facebook, or on twitter. We are looking for those interested in our basketball scout apprenticeship program. For information contact us and forward your resume.
