The NBL has responded to comments made by Adelaide 36ers coach CJ Bruton and star player Dejan "DJ" Vasiljevic, who criticised the NBL's scheduling following a heavy loss to the Tasmania JackJumpers on Saturday night.
The 36ers played in New Zealand on Thursday evening and were back in action less than 48 hours later in Tasmania.
Saturday's 94-59 defeat to the JackJumpers was their ninth in 13 games this season.
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NBL responds to Bruton, Vasiljevic
In a statement, the NBL has responded to the 36ers, who earlier this week were critical of the league's scheduling.
"The Adelaide situation was complicated and while the club had an option to take an alternate, later flight out of New Zealand, it elected to leave earlier,” Executive General Manager Competitions & Operations, Sean Gottliebsen said.
“We will continue to work with the clubs on the schedule and travel required, but need to maintain a fixture that prioritises the ability for families to attend between Thursdays and Sundays. We understand this has an impact on the ideal spread of matches.
“Double-headers are common in the NBL and have been a feature of the schedule for several years. Clubs receive the schedule with adequate time to make logistical decisions about how best to navigate the challenges double-headers can present.
“We will continue to work in a positive manner with clubs on the development of the schedule and the complexities surrounding it.”
Adelaide 36ers call out NBL for horror travel schedule
36ers coach CJ Bruton revealed his team woke up at 4:00 am to travel to Christchurch and departed the country at 1:00 am to return to Australia and travel to Hobart.
"My eyes were stinging. It was always going to be a tough task," he said.
"Clearly, the result and scoreline shows that."
Vasiljevic — the 36ers' points and assists leader this season — slammed the league's scheduling, highlighting the negative impact of lack of sleep on players.
"I played in college, I've played everywhere. This was probably the worst road trip I've had in a long time," he said.
"I'm not trying to s*** on anyone or anything, but when you've got to get up at 4:00 [am] ... I didn't sleep two nights ago.
"Again, it's not an excuse — the JackJumpers are well-coached but If we're going to do this type of road trip I would have loved to play [on Sunday]."
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The 26-year-old guard then shared his belief that the league should consider alternate transport to ensure players are at their best.
"Or give us a private jet to fly, for real," he said.
"You talk about being one of the best leagues in the world — don't treat your athletes like this.
"I'd love to know how many people turned their TVs off at halftime.
"Ratings probably went down. It's not good for the NBL.
"Fix the schedule. It's as simple as that."
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