36ers' DJ Vasiljevic: 'Tell the critics we’re 6–2'

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Nerve stuck and captain Dejan Vasiljevic's responses to questions after the Adelaide 36ers escaped with a 90-88 win against defending champions Illawarra in Round 7 of NBL26 reveal — starkly — his locker room are using commentator Damon Lowery's criticism as fuel to fire.

"Tell the critics we’re 6–2 and playing good basketball," Vasiljevic declared.

"If you want Bryce to have 40 and we still lose, go for it — I’ll sit in the corner and be a decoy if that’s what helps us win.

"I also have to defend and rebound; I’ve shifted my mindset there. I’ll do whatever helps the team."

NBL champion Lowery said last week: "If Adelaide are going to be serious about winning the whole thing, I think they don't have enough offensive firepower.

"When you got to go and beat Melbourne United, and I don't know how anybody is going to do that without full guns blasting, so I think they need someone else."

Cotton responded: "He hasn't done enough as a basketball player for me to respect his opinion. I usually don't listen to anybody but especially not him."

Shot. Chaser.

36ers head coach Mike has also bought into the outside motivation.

"First, to piggyback DJ — Bryce is an unselfish superstar, and DJ’s sacrificed," Wells added.

"Today was probably the first time we had five in double figures; that ball moved. Bryce says in timeouts he doesn’t care about scoring — get to spacing, they’ll double him, and he’ll find you. He can score when needed, but getting Z and DJ back into the offense and spreading double figures was huge."

Five-time MVP Cotton had 24 points and nine assists, Vasiljevic 16, Zylan Cheatham 13, Isaac Humphries and Flynn Cameron 12 points a piece. Vasiljevic went 5-from-12 from the field, 10 of which were three-point attempts.

"I just want to win. I came here to help change the culture," Vasiljevic added.

"Isaac and I signed long term; we recruited great people as well as players.

"Everyone hangs out, everyone connects. Your career is judged on championships — I’ve got two in Sydney, but I’ve turned a new leaf.

"I want to stay here, retire here, and bring multiple championships. I’ll help the team however I can."

The defending champs Illawarra (2-6) were coming off their worst home loss in history, 102-60, against the New Zealand Breakers on Friday night. It prompted an apology from head coach Justin Tatum. But the return of Australian Boomer William "Davo" Hickey, playing his second game, already proves he is a difference maker.

Hickey had 20 points (8-from-16), nine rebounds, eight assists and FOUR blocks in 32 minutes.

"It doesn’t matter what round it is — that’s how Davo plays," Tatum said.

"He leaves it all out there just like everybody else. He played an exceptional game.

"I know he’ll be hard on himself about those last two free throws, but it should never have come to that. I’m just happy he’s back healthy, trying to find his rhythm and mix in with the guys."

Hickey, with a chance to tie the ball game, missed the front end of a pair of free throws with three seconds left forcing a deliberate miss on the second to give the Hawks a chance. Adelaide came up with the defensive rebound to end it.

Tatum was proud of the response after the 42-point blowout just 48 hours earlier.

"The mentality is simple — represent the name across your jersey, Illawarra Hawks, and play for the name on your back," he said.

"I told the guys on Friday they didn’t live up to that. I reminded them they had another chance in 48 hours to represent not just the organisation, but their families. I’m proud of how they responded today."

Key Details

• Result: Adelaide 36ers 90 def. Illawarra Hawks 88
• When: 2nd November 2025
• Where: Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide
• Standings

By the Numbers

• Bryce Cotton (Adelaide) starred with 24 points, three rebounds, nine assists and two steals in 38 minutes.
• William Hickey (Illawarra) scored 20 points, and had nine rebounds, eight assists and four blocks in 32 minutes.

What Happened

The Adelaide 36ers and Illawarra Hawks delivered a nail-biting contest with 18 lead changes throughout the game. Adelaide established a slight early advantage, leading 21-19 after the first quarter, but Illawarra fought back to take a 41-40 lead at halftime. The 36ers exploded in the third quarter, outscoring the Hawks 31-26 to build a five-point cushion heading into the final period.

With six minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, Adelaide stretched their lead to eight points during their biggest scoring run of seven consecutive points. The Hawks responded with a nine-point run of their own to reclaim a slim advantage, setting up a dramatic finish. Cotton's clutch free throws in the final minutes proved decisive as Adelaide secured the two-point victory.

Cotton delivered an outstanding all-around performance for Adelaide with 24 points, including 11-from-14 from the free throw line. His nine assists highlighted his playmaking ability, while also contributing defensively with two steals. Dejan Vasiljevic added 16 points including four three-pointers, while Zylan Cheatham controlled the glass with 13 rebounds alongside 13 points.

For Illawarra, William Hickey impressed with 20 points on efficient 8-from-16 shooting, while adding nine rebounds, eight assists and four blocks in a stellar two-way performance. JaVale McGee contributed 17 points and 11 rebounds, while Tyler Harvey added 15 points. Despite shooting a superior 47.9% from the field compared to Adelaide's 38.7%, the Hawks couldn't overcome Adelaide's advantage in three-pointers (14-7) and rebounds (46-42).

The victory strengthened Adelaide's position in the NBL standings while delivering them their eighth lead change of the final quarter. Adelaide's dominance on the offensive glass proved crucial, securing 14 offensive rebounds to Illawarra's six. The 36ers also benefitted from superior long-range shooting, hitting 14 three-pointers at a 37.8% clip compared to Illawarra's seven triples at 31.8%.