The Final Ascent: Can Gleeson Summit Adelaide's Championship Dream?
There’s something poetic about a team standing at the base of a mountain, staring up at the peak they narrowly missed. That’s where the Adelaide 36ers find themselves, and veteran coach Trevor Gleeson is the man tasked with leading the climb. But this isn’t just any mountain—it’s one they’ve already scaled most of the way, only to stumble at the summit.
What makes this particularly fascinating is the pressure Gleeson willingly shoulders. He’s not just stepping into a new role; he’s inheriting a team that came agonizingly close to glory. The 2025/26 season ended in overtime heartbreak against Sydney, a loss that still lingers. Gleeson, a five-time NBL champion, knows the weight of expectations. But here’s the thing: he’s not just aiming to match last year’s success—he’s gunning for the top.
Personally, I think Gleeson’s approach is both bold and pragmatic. He’s not tearing down what’s already there. Instead, he’s building on a foundation that nearly won it all. The 36ers retain league MVP Bryce Cotton and their import trio, a rarity in the NBL’s ever-shifting landscape. The loss of sharpshooter Dejan Vasiljevic is significant, but Gleeson seems to believe in the power of continuity. Chemistry, after all, is the invisible thread that weaves championship teams together.
But here’s where it gets interesting: Gleeson isn’t just relying on last year’s momentum. He’s acutely aware that the NBL is a league where fortunes can flip in an instant. Melbourne United, for instance, has assembled a roster that reads like an NBA alumni list—Cole Anthony, Luke Travers, Joe Ingles. If you take a step back and think about it, Melbourne’s recruitment is a statement of intent. They’re not just building a team; they’re building a dynasty.
From my perspective, Gleeson’s challenge isn’t just tactical—it’s psychological. How do you motivate a group that’s already tasted success but fell short? How do you convince them that the mountain is still climbable? Gleeson’s words—“last year’s done, it’s flushed, it’s over”—suggest he’s framing this season as a fresh start. But what many people don’t realize is that the scars of last year’s loss won’t fade easily. The memory of that overtime defeat will either fuel them or haunt them.
One thing that immediately stands out is Gleeson’s emphasis on “the top of the mountain.” It’s a metaphor that resonates deeply. Climbing a mountain isn’t just about reaching the peak; it’s about the journey, the setbacks, the moments when you question whether you can go on. The 36ers are at the base of that mountain again, but this time, they’re not just climbers—they’re climbers with a map.
What this really suggests is that Gleeson’s role goes beyond X’s and O’s. He’s a storyteller, crafting a narrative of redemption. But here’s the kicker: narratives only matter if they’re backed by results. Melbourne United and the reigning champion Kings aren’t just obstacles—they’re reminders that the NBL is a league where dominance is fleeting.
If you take a step back and think about it, Gleeson’s task is as much about managing expectations as it is about winning games. The 36ers’ fanbase is hungry, and the front office is impatient. Gleeson’s track record buys him time, but time is a luxury in professional sports.
A detail that I find especially interesting is Gleeson’s NBA background. He’s not just an NBL lifer; he’s someone who’s seen the highest level of basketball. That perspective could be a game-changer. The NBL is a league where international talent and local grit collide, and Gleeson’s ability to blend those elements will define his tenure.
This raises a deeper question: Can Gleeson turn the 36ers into more than just a contender? Can he build a culture that sustains success, even when the roster inevitably changes? The NBL is a league where teams rise and fall with alarming speed, and Gleeson’s legacy will be measured not just by whether he wins a championship, but by how he leaves the team when he’s gone.
In my opinion, Gleeson’s biggest challenge isn’t Melbourne United or the Kings—it’s the ghost of last season. The 36ers came so close, and that proximity to greatness can be both a blessing and a curse. It’s easy to get stuck in the “what ifs” of the past, but Gleeson seems determined to keep the focus on the future.
As the season begins in September, the 36ers will once again start their ascent. Gleeson’s leadership will be tested, his strategies scrutinized, and his resolve pushed to the limit. But if there’s one thing I’ve learned about championship teams, it’s that they’re not defined by their talent alone—they’re defined by their ability to rise when the stakes are highest.
Personally, I think Gleeson has the tools, the experience, and the mindset to lead Adelaide to the summit. But the mountain doesn’t care about resumes or reputations. It only cares about who’s willing to climb. And that, my friends, is what makes this season so compelling.
The Final Takeaway:
Gleeson’s journey with the 36ers isn’t just about winning a championship—it’s about proving that even the narrowest of misses can be a launching pad for greatness. Whether they reach the top or not, this season will be a masterclass in leadership, resilience, and the relentless pursuit of a dream.
