The back-to-back NBL1 Central Best Defensive Player and 36ers rookie Alex Starling is willing to play his role for the Adelaide 36ers, “filling that gap” in the areas where coach CJ Bruton needs it.
Starling broke into the NBL this season after multiple dominant seasons in the Adelaide State competitions, winning the 2022 NBL1 Central championship, Finals MVP and two Best Defensive Player Awards.
Bruton has upped Starling's minutes in the last two rounds, which has sparked the 34-year-old to step-up to the plate and play a versatile role.
“It’s about me filling in that gap, which is what I told CJ when I signed at the Sixers, to give everything I have, which is the norm for me,” Starling said.
“Whatever I need to be, to contribute, to help the team win, I’m willing to be that.”
YOU'RE JOKING ALEX STARLING ?
— NBL1 (@NBL1) July 8, 2023
Watch the #NBL1Central First Nations Round via https://t.co/NEk1I7kIKG or the NBL1 App ?&? pic.twitter.com/FvuZ6lHMiU
Starling was dominant in the NBL1 Central this past season, averaging 21 points, 13.2 rebounds, 2.7 steals and 1.9 blocks per game.
His athleticism and defensive skillset have carried over to the 36ers, allowing him to build confidence in the NBL and resulting in more minutes.
“With the court time, obviously confidence comes with that, the coaching staff trusting me to go out and do those one percenters and bring the energy and those rebounds that we have been lacking at,” Starling said.
Get to know Alex ??#WeAreSixers pic.twitter.com/NmMXKkR6SF
— Adelaide 36ers (@Adelaide36ers) November 15, 2023
Starling and the 36ers take on the South East Melbourne Phoenix tonight at 7:30pm AEDT.
