DJ’s Championship remix: Old team, new mission

The Adelaide 36ers secured their first spot in a Hungry Jack’s NBL26 Championship Series in nine years on Tuesday, by defeating the South East Melbourne Phoenix by 12 points.

While it’s been a long time between appearances for the 36ers, that’s not the case for sharpshooter Dejan Vasiljevic, who won back-to-back championships with the Sydney Kings in NBL22 and NBL23.

Coincidentally, that’s who stands between Vasiljevic and his Sixers ending their 24-year title drought.

“I'm excited [to be in the Championship Series again], and it’s obviously against my old team, the Sydney Kings, [which adds another element],” Vasiljevic said on Wednesday’s episode of NBL Now.

“The reason I came to Adelaide was to try to change the culture and try to bring that championship-calibre experience [to the organisation].

“I want it [the title] so bad. I'm a bit greedy. I got taste with back-to-back, and I think you're remembered for the championships and not by the individual accolades.”

Vasiljevic was a big part of securing the Sixers' spot in the big dance, tallying 27 points (including 6 triples), 4 assists and 2 rebounds as a starter.

“Mike [Wells] said when we landed back from Melbourne, ‘you're going to start’. I just said about time, honestly, it's time to rock and roll,” Vasiljevic said.

“[I knew going in] it's all about the effort, the toughness and just do whatever it takes to win the game.

“I just felt the moment, I didn't want to go home, we've worked so hard, and it was time to try to compete for the championship that Adelaide hasn't felt in a very long time.

“[Then, after in] the locker room, there were three or four of us just sitting on a chair, exhausted because we gave everything possible.

“We've been through a bit the last few months. A lot of people don't understand what we athletes go through behind the scenes. So it was good to kind of just sit there, relax, sing the team song and prepare for what's to come.”

>> Championship Series schedule, tickets & how to watch

The Sixers hope what’s to come is their fifth NBL championship, especially to honour the late Ken Cole, who guided the club to its maiden title in 1986.

“The late, great Ken Cole was the first one to bring them [the city of Adelaide] one, and hopefully we can do it for Ken this year.”

The NBL26 Championships Series tips off at Qudos Bank Arena on Saturday at 7pm AEDT, live on ESPN and 10 Drama.