Sobey set for bigger role
A couple of years ago Nathan Sobey (above) was a Cairns Marlin fighting for an NBL job, now he is arguably the leading man for a championship contender. The 193cm swingman, who signed a new two-year contract with the Adelaide 36ers in April, is set for a larger role, in terms of leadership and play, this season following the exit of league MVP Jerome Randle. The reigning Most Improved Player of the NBL credits his time in the QBL with Marlins coach and Taipans assistant Jamie Pearlman.
A COUPLE of years ago Nathan Sobey was a Cairns Marlin fighting for an NBL job, now he is arguably the leading man for a championship contender.
The 193cm swingman, who signed a new two-year contract with the Adelaide 36ers in April, is set for a larger role, in terms of leadership and play, this season following the exit of league MVP Jerome Randle.
The reigning Most Improved Player of the NBL credits his time in the QBL with Marlins coach and Taipans assistant Jamie Pearlman and learning from current and former Thursday, October 5 Adelaide v Melbourne 7:30pm @ Adelaide Friday, October 6 Cairns v Illawarra 7:30pm @ Cairns Saturday, October 7 Snakes for playing a role in his rise from development player to star.
“I was just waiting for my opportunity, I was sitting behind some really good players in Cairns that year we went to the grand final,” Sobey said at the NBL season launch at Sydney v Adelaide 5:30pm @ Sydney Perth v Brisbane 8:30pm @ Perth Sunday, October 8 New Zealand v Cairns 3pm @ New Zealand Crown Casino on Monday.
“I learnt a lot that year from coach Aaron Fearne, Shaun Bruce and Cam Gliddon, who were playing heavy minutes.
“I just made sure I was ready to go when my name was called.
“Pearls let me just play when I was in the QBL, I did not play much during the season with the Taipans and jumping into the same system with the Marlins, I just wanted to play as much as I could.
“The QBL was very strong as a league, it looks like it has gotten even stronger since I was there.”
Adelaide produced mixed results in last week’s NBL Blitz, downing Perth Wildcats before losing to Brisbane Bullets and New Zealand Breakers.
The squad will fly to Singapore next week to take on a range of Asian clubs at the Merlion Cup.
The Victorian native does not see his on-court role changing too much this season without the exploits of Randle but feels his voice and experience will be called upon more in Joey Wright’s side.
“I do not think my role will change a lot maybe just more leadership,” Sobey said.
“But, we are losing our point guard from the last two years, just knowing the offence and stuff will be on me as I have been around for three years.
“It will be about getting all the boys in the right direction and organising what Joey wants.”
The 36ers will kick off the 40th edition of the NBL when they host Melbourne United at Adelaide Arena on October 5.