Disappointment against Cairns fuels fire

WE’VE all heard the phrase “I’m not angry, I’m just disappointed” before.

Well, that is how Adelaide 36ers import guard Shannon Shorter describes renowned fiery NBL coach Joey Wright’s demeanour after their flogging at the hands of the Cairns Taipans on Christmas Eve.

Basketballers who played under Wright have often speak of the hellish tongue lashings he can provide following a loss, or even a win, so when he was just disappointed after a blowout loss, the North Texas college product knew their performance was not up to scratch.

Since the Taipans gave Adelaide a pasting on December 24, the 36ers have run off a sharp three-game winning sequence and 28-year-old Shorter believes that loss was a catalyst for their turnaround.

“Joey was very disappointed, just in our effort defensively, especially,” Shorter said yesterday as he recalled the mood after their loss to Cairns.

“On offence, we were not in attack mode like we should have been.

“We played at Cairns’ pace that night but more so it was on the defensive end, not being up on the ball and making them make the decisions on how we planned the game.

“The effort was not there and we went away from our defensive game plan.”

With the Taipans needing to win all seven of their remaining games this season to figure in the playoff hunt, the US guard is wary of a desperate Cairns tonight.

“They are hungry to make that last push of making the playoffs,” Shorter said. “As a club, we know we need to focus on what we want to do and compete at a high level. We can beat anyone in the NBL.

“We have a certain hunger right now, too, trying to finish well heading into the playoffs.”

Following Sunday afternoon’s game in New Zealand, the Snakes decided to remain across the ditch before their game with Adelaide tonight instead of returning to the Far North in between.