Despite the perception of having an undersized squad, Sydney Kings coach Will Weaver is confident that he has the team to compete on the boards with any other side in the NBL.
"I just continue to laugh at how many questions we get about how small we are,: he said after the Kings beat the Adelaide 36ers 102-80 at Qudos Bank Arena on Saturday.
"I thought that we just absolutely put our shoulder into those big rocks and got them moving down the hill pretty quick, and as a result, we were able to build a bit of a lead."
The Kings dominated the glass out-rebounding Adelaide 48-36, with 16 of those grabs made at the offensive end, allowing precious second chance points.
Jae'Sean Tate led the way for the Kings, finishing with 16 points and seven boards, including two offensive rebounds.
The 193cm power forward from Ohio plays above his size, and regularly jostles with opponents who tower over him.
Despite the height disadvantage, Tate understands that rebounding is all about mindset.
"Going in, you already know that you're going to be at a disadvantage," he said.
"I mean I've always been a guy who's always been undersized or told I'm too small, or not quick enough," said Tate.
"Just knowing that you're already going to be at a disadvantage, I think that helps me focus on being successful defensively. It's been working for me."
Against the 36ers, Tate consistently muscled his way into the paint, grabbing rebounds and scoring against bigger bodies.
Weaver was full of praise for his American import.
"He's just a steady person. He works his butt off," said Weaver.
"He has a level headedness that's remarkable given how hard he plays, and the speed and ferocity of the way he rebounds.
"Everywhere he goes, wins just seem to follow. A lot of it has to do with the degree to which he is about the right things and our team feeds off it.
"I'm excited about where his career is headed," said Weaver, who is now plotting the New Zealand Breakers downfall in Sydney on Friday night.
Australian Associated Press
