Townsville Bulletin

Lemanis hits back at Rucker

- STEVE BARRETT

BRISBANE coach Andrej Lemanis has hit back at club legend Derek Rucker after the former Bullets great slammed the direction of the program recently.

Rucker, who won the league MVP with the Bullets in his first NBL season in 1990 before finishing his career in the Queensland capital in 2006, tweeted on Thursday that the Bullets were a “disgrace from the top down” and that “wholesale changes” were required.

Speaking after Brisbane’s dismal season- ending 105- 82 loss to the Adelaide 36ers, Lemanis said Rucker hadn’t been at the club since its NBL reentry two seasons ago and was making comments without understand­ing the inner sanctum’s workings.

“I didn’t know Derek said that and he’s entitled to his opinion but he hasn’t been near the club since we’ve been back in the last two years,” Lemanis said.

“If you’re not involved on the inside and understand­ing what we’re trying to do, then it’s kind of hard for you to comment without the knowledge.”

After steering the Bullets to their second successive wooden spoon, Lemanis knew this would not be an easy gig.

“The reality is we’re a new team,” he said.

“Yes, the Bullets organisati­on has a legacy but seven years out ( of the league) meant we’re a new team, which presents its challenges.

“It should be a battle and a challenge and it’s certainly been that.”

 ?? Andrej Lemanis. ??
Andrej Lemanis.

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