Drama has engulfed the Adelaide 36ers heading into Game Two of the NBL grand final series amid reports of a confrontation between coach Mike Wells and one of his star players.
A head-scratching technical foul conceded by Wells in Game Three of a semi-final resulted in star sharpshooter Dejan Vasiljevic publicly critiquing his head coach, which reportedly led to an alleged hotel confrontation prior to game one of the NBL’s Championship Series.
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With the 36ers down 1-0 after a heavy loss to the Sydney Kings in Game One, they are now facing fresh claims of internal fractures, adding another layer to the 36ers’ off-court issues dating back to last season.
In a report by CODE Sports, it is claimed Wells approached Vasiljevic over comments he made on ESPN’s Nothing But Net, following a controversial technical foul against the South East Melbourne Phoenix. The incident came despite Adelaide leading by 17 points at the time, with six-time MVP Bryce Cotton appearing visibly frustrated on the sideline.
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“We talked about it before the game we need to stay off the refs. We don’t need that from Mike Wells,” Vasiljevic said on ESPN’s Nothing But Net.
“We were up at the time and he keeps yapping to (veteran referee) Michael Aylen. That’s not the guy to be talking to. As soon as you say something wrong or something that’s going to threaten him, he’s going to T you up.
“We’ve just got to hold each other to a higher standard and Mike knows that.
“He’s just got to chill out and allow the game to keep going and we can ride the momentum.”
The blunt and honest comments from Vasiljevic, who wears his heart on his sleeve, reportedly did not sit well with Wells. According to CODE Sports, sources say the exchange between the pair in the foyer of the Novotel in Olympic Park was not “amicable”, with the coach expressing disappointment over Vasiljevic’s public remarks.
The report also suggested issues between players and Wells had existed over the past two seasons.
Respected NBL commentator and media personality Felix Von Hofe said Vasiljevic’s comments were another example of Wells being “disrespected”.
“You cannot be talking down on your head coach to media during a finals campaign, I love how open and honest DJ is at all times. It’s great for the sport…. But Mike Wells is well within his right to call fault and take issue with that,” Von Hofe told foxsports.com.au.
“Mike continues his run as the most disrespected coach in the league”
“Wells has had to cop it from all angles this year, the last thing you need is your own playing group talking negatively to the media”
“He’s an experienced coach, his adjustments in the semi final series against SEM were fantastic, they beat a better team”
“I have no doubt they’ll adjust in game 2 and we’ll see a much closer contest.”
Game Two of the NBL Finals looms as a key test, with plenty of attention on whether the off-court tension between a head coach and one of his star players carries into team chemistry. It shapes as a must-win for one of the league’s most potent offensive sides.