26 points and 8 rebounds – that’s Montrezl Harrell’s averages in the four games before his suspension.
The former NBA superstar was very much moving into the MVP mix, and no one is underestimating just how important he is to Adelaide’s championship hopes.
Right now, just staying in contention with the top teams is a struggle for the ninth-placed 36ers, and Harrell’s return on this Saturday really couldn’t come soon enough.
“The wait (is) almost over,” was Harrell’s short, but pointed Instagram post across the weekend.
It’s fair to say, ‘Monsta’ is ready to go.
“I think guys that are professional, have had such a level of success being a professional athlete and basketball player, that’s the one thing you love to do, is get out there on that stage and perform,” coach Mike Wells said.
“I would imagine he’s looking forward to putting on the Adelaide jersey and doing that for the home fans next weekend.
“I just expect Trezz will be ready to play. I don’t know what that will look like, I just think he’ll be ready to compete and play ... I know he’s working.”
Harrell will reunite with fellow star Kendric Davis when the 36ers take on New Zealand, in what looms as a must-win game.
Davis was brilliant in his comeback from suspension, albeit in a loss, with 37 points, 11 assists and 5 rebounds against the Perth Wildcats.
“He’s a tremendous athlete. He’s in tremendous shape,” Wells said of Davis.
“Three weeks off of basketball, there’s nothing like basketball conditioning. You cannot replicate doing anything, except playing in a game.
“What he did was really remarkable, for the minutes and the points and guarding (Bryce) Cotton and trying to do all the things he does to try to generate offence for our group.
“I think scouting him and sort of knowing him in the states, seeing him in the G-League a little bit last year, you kind of have an idea of his talent, but you never know how it’s going to translate to the NBL.
“His quickness and his strength are just a little bit different, so I’m super-happy for him.
“He loves to play basketball. It’s what he does ... he loves to get out there and compete.
“When it’s time to go, especially in the situation where he’s making a comeback, you knew you were going to get the best effort he could give.”
Davis went toe-to-toe with Cotton, who himself finished with 49 points, in an impressive display.
It was the second straight game the 25-year-old had a 30-point, 10-assist double-double.
“He’ll take a day off and get ready tomorrow and we’ll get Trez back ready this week and we’ll regenerate the group again,” Wells added.
