The Adelaide 36ers have parted ways with head coach C.J. Bruton after a horror start to the 2023/24 NBL season.
Bruton, 47, was fired following the 36ers' 4-9 season start, which included significant player turnover, and losing four of their last five games.
Since being hired in 2021, Bruton oversaw a tumultuous period of Adelaide 36ers basketball, going 27 and 40 over two and a half seasons at the helm.
"We thank CJ for his tireless efforts, both on and off the court, but we believe it’s time to go in a new direction," Adelaide 36ers CEO Nic Barbato said in a statement
"The 36ers organisation would like to thank CJ for his time at the Club and wish him and his family all the best for their future endeavours."
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In Bruton's wake, the 36ers have appointed Scott Ninnis as interim coach for the remainder of the 2023/2024 season, and will likely reassess their options during the off-season.
Adelaide 36ers horror start sees Bruton sacked
After two rough years in Adelaide, the 36ers had hoped that 2023/24 would be the season that their fortunes would turn.
This quickly proved to be fruitless, as they parted ways with import Jamal Franklin before a second of the NBL season was played, following a disappointing NBL Blitz showing.
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Things looked slightly up following the signing of DJ Vasiljevic, with the Australian sharp-shooter returning to the NBL after a pre-season stint for the Washington Wizards.
But their form quickly fizzled, resulting in four losses in five games, including a 94-59 thrashing at the hands of the Tasmania JackJumpers.
Bruton now becomes the second NBL coach to be let go this season, after the Illawarra Hawks parted ways with Jacob Jackomas earlier this season.
With the signing of Vasiljevic, as well as the return of big man Isaac Humphries, and now a new head coach looming, the 36ers will hope that next season will be the beginning of a new era of success.
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