How 36ers’ SOS pulled a Breakers great from China

Corey Webster’s first full training session with the Adelaide 36ers came two days after his debut.

That’s how quickly the three-time NBL champion was brought in to help the 36ers in a time of need, with key players Flynn Cameron (ankle), Isaac Humphries (knee) and Bul Kuol (ACL) all sidelined.

Webster was in China, playing in what he called “some random tournaments here and there”, when 36ers coach Trevor Gleeson called.

“I kind of talked to Trevor on the phone and he kind of explained what was going on a little bit and the opportunity that might be there,” Webster revealed on Friday.

“I think the day I talked to him they might have had a game later that night or the next day or something. So I guess they waited for that and to see how that played out and then from there it all happened pretty quick.”

From the phone call to signing to playing, it was a whirlwind few days.

“It was only I think maybe a day and a half or two days,” he said.

“I was in China and I flew home, like a 20-hour journey, was home for one night, then next morning left for Adelaide.

“That’s the nature of sports. Things happen quick. You got to fly across the world sometimes and that’s how it is.

“I got in late the night before the game, so hadn’t had any trainings or anything. Had a quick shootaround in the morning on game day.”

Webster was thrown straight in, logging 4:36 off the bench in Wednesday’s 96–91 loss to Melbourne United.

“It was a little bit more than I expected,” he said.

“Just got out there and tried to catch a little bit of rhythm. Didn’t quite happen, but I’m looking forward to get going this week and ramp up from here.”

Webster shared the floor with an old teammate, too. He and Bryce Cotton spent two seasons together in Perth’s backcourt, and the chance to link up again made the decision an easy one.

“A chance to play for a championship calibre team, a great coach, be back with Bryce,” Webster said of the appeal of returning to the NBL.

“Obviously, we played together in Perth and we’ve got a great relationship. I didn’t even think twice. If they wanted me, I’ll be there.”

The opportunity almost never came. In an Instagram post after signing, Webster opened up on how close he came to hanging up the boots.

“A year ago, I was so close to retiring ... but something told me to hold on,” he wrote.

“In that moment I made a decision, and a promise to myself to get back to the top. I put in mad work, I got stuck into the grind - day in and day out - serious hard work!”

Twelve months later, the 37-year-old is back in the League and wants to pass on what he learned winning three titles with the Breakers.

“Try and bring that experience and that confidence through, help the guys, the younger guys that need it,” he said.

“Hopefully I leave a good imprint.”