Dynamic DJ on a roll as Snakes shoot up ladder
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CO-CAPTAIN DJ Newbill does not seek the fanfare, always praises his teammates’ efforts when he plays well and usually just lets his game do the talking.
And, in his second season in orange, his third in NBL – his game is not just talking – it is yelling raucously.
Fellow import Scott Machado has been branded an MVP candidate, while Cameron Oliver is dunking on everybody in Australia.
But it is the consistent play and improved shooting of 27year-old Newbill that has the Snakes climbing the ladder.
The former New Zealand Breakers guard is in the middle of a career-best season in the NBL, shooting the ball at over 50 per cent from the field and leading to almost 20 points a contest.
Why is Newbill having his most efficient shooting season in his third campaign in the league?
He believes it is an assortment of reasons, including being better spacing offensively this season for Cairns, his own improvement as his career has progressed, as well as a better understanding of where his shots are coming from in Mike Kelly’s offence.
Oh, and playing with Machado as a point guard helps, too.
“Working on my shot, spacing the floor, we have a lot of guys who can shoot or penetrate,” Newbill said late on Saturday night after he dropped 28 points, which came from 6-7 shooting from deep in the win over Adelaide.
“Our big guys, I think we have the best screening bigs in the league – they have been hitting bodies and getting us open for shots.
“When you put the work in, you have the confidence to go in the game and take those shots.
“My team and my coach have confidence in me to shoot the ball.”
Newbill was not just efficient from deep, he made five from nine inside the arc as well.
“A lot of reps, me getting older and understanding where my shots are coming from (helps),” he said. “Being in Mike’s system for a second year, it helps me understand where my shots are coming from now.”
All three of Cairns’ imports went past 20 points and while the 36ers went on a number of promising runs across the game, the hosts never looked like being beaten.
Kelly’s squad held on to win 108-91.
The three Americans took turns making their offensive push in the first half, Newbill taking control in the first term and Oliver in the next, while Machado picked his spots throughout.
Machado could not be stopped attacking the basket as he penetrated and finished at the rim often.
“They were great,” coach Kelly said of the Taipans imports.
“DJ is playing phenomenal basketball and leading from the front.
“I am really happy with how he is going about his business and does not want the fanfare, or does not try to get that, he just plays ball and does his job every week.”
The red-hot Snakes, who are now 10-3 at home this season, took all the wind out of the sails of the previously surging Adelaide early on as they have all but sealed their return to the post-season for the first time in three seasons.
Cairns are now 13-10 on the season and entrenched in third position.
The Taipans have a week between games now, taking on SEM Phoenix on Australia Day.
Thursday
7.30pm: Brisbane Bullets v South East Melbourne Phoenix (Brisbane Convention Centre) Friday
7.30pm: Illawarra Hawks v Sydney Kings (WIN Sports and Entertainment Centre)
Saturday
5.30pm: Adelaide 36ers v Brisbane Bullets (Adelaide Entertainment Centre)
8pm: Perth Wildcats v New Zealand Breakers (Perth Arena) Sunday
3pm: South East Melbourne Phoenix v Cairns Taipans (State Basketball Centre)
5pm: Sydney Kings v Melbourne United (Qudos Bank Arena)