24
Sep
Recruitment
"Almost signed with Adelaide", Creek reveals return was close
Mitch Creek of the Adelaide 36ers dunks during game two of the NBL Grand Final series between the Adelaide 36ers and Melbourne United at Titanium Security Area on March 18, 2018 in Adelaide, Australia. Photo: Daniel Kalisz/Getty Images
The man who led the Adelaide 36ers to the 2018 NBL grand final says he almost returned to the club
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- Mitch Creek spent eight seasons with the Adelaide 36ers and last played in the NBL in season 2023-24
It's the return that never was.
Former Adelaide 36er Mitch Creek has revealed he almost returned to the NBL club which ignited his professional career during the offseason before eventually signing in Europe.
Basketball.com.au posted an exert on Instagram (@bouncepass) from a story with Jason Cadee on the reported release of former NBA Sixth Man of the Year and 36ers fan favourite Montrezl Harrell, to which Creek commented "Same place with the same issues. Haha". One fan responded asking Creek "any chance of coming home".
The 33-year-old, who spent eight seasons with the 36ers between 2010-2018 including leading them to the 2018 championship series, in response revealed a return to South Australia almost happened.
"Almost signed with Adelaide this year but got ghosted after saying yes," he commented.
"Signed in Europe instead, and very happy I did. Was a fantastic turn of fate. In a great city, awesome team and top league playing against some huge Euroleague teams."
Creek joined the 36ers as an 18-year-old in 2010 fresh out of the Australian Institute of Sport when he was coached by his former AIS coach Marty Clarke but the club struggled and failed to make playoffs until Joey Wright took over ahead of the 2013-14 season.
The Horsham product was named team captain by Wright, who he considers one of his biggest mentors to this day, ahead of the 2016-17 season. Creek would then go on to chase his NBA dreams after the 2018 season, where he made his debut in the world's best basketball league for the Brooklyn Nets.
He would then return to the NBL as the marquee signing for expansion franchise, South East Melbourne Phoenix, playing for the club until 2024. The athletic and hardnosed forward has since had stints around the world in China, Puerto Rico and Canada and has joined Romanian team, U-BT Cluj-Napoca, for this season.
The 36ers were contacted for comment.
Basketball.com.au would like to make clear, there is no indication the 36ers are at fault for the Harrell issue.
