Can Gleeson turn Adelaide’s season around?

Trevor Gleeson’s return to the Hungry Jack’s NBL has been anything but a smooth ride, and the questions are starting to mount.

Isaac Humphries and Bul Kuol both started the season on the sidelines, before Flynn Cameron hurt his ankle in Game 1. Other Sixers have since missed games too, piling even more pressure on six-time MVP Bryce Cotton.

Round 7 summed up Adelaide’s up-and-down campaign, with a road win over New Zealand followed by a home loss to an understrength Brisbane.

Tipped as one of the pre-season title favourites, the 36ers head into Round 8 sitting seventh with a 5-6 record, and the scrutiny has shifted to their coach.

On Friday’s episode of NBL Now, presented by CODE Sports, 1990 MVP Derek Rucker said he believes Gleeson is in uncharted coaching waters.

“I’m not saying Trev is done, but right now Trev is probably facing a professional challenge that he hasn’t seen before,” Rucker said.

“I love when I see all-time greats get challenged, because I love to see how they come back.”

Fellow NBL legend Lanard Copeland acknowledged the pressure, but backed the five-time champion and his squad to turn things around.

“Of course there’s going to be questions,” Copeland said.

“The Adelaide fans are asking the questions; you don’t go one and three at home [without questions].

“When he was in Perth, the Red Army, they were with him. Adelaide fans are fickle. They want it now.

“Trevor’s a smart man, and he’s worked with Bryce. Him and Bryce will figure it out.”

Adelaide’s next chance to get back on track comes on Saturday, when they host Illawarra from 5.30pm AEDT, live on ESPN, 9Go! and 9Now.