Montrezl Harrell, star of the Adelaide 36ers, shares his wild NBL experience – including a referee's hilarious crowd interaction warning!
Montrezl Harrell, the Adelaide recruit who comes with a hefty NBA resume, has found a new playground in the NBL after playing over 500 games in the world’s premier basketball league. The towering presence on the court not only made headlines for his impressive skills but also for a rather unusual episode during a recent game. Harrell was caught off-guard by a referee’s warning to ease up on his interactions with the boisterous crowd, a unique twist that had him reflect on the cultural differences between the NBA and NBL.
Known for his dynamic playing style and charismatic personality, Harrell has embraced the lively atmosphere of the NBL. However, when he found himself engaged with fans during a high-stakes match, a referee stepped in to advise him to tone it down. "It's been quite different here," Harrell said. "In the NBA, I was used to playing in a more closed-off environment. Here, it feels like we're all part of a giant community. I just wanted to connect with the fans." The incident sparked positive conversations about the NBL’s unique culture, where crowd engagement is more of an expectation than a distraction.
With a mischievous grin, Montrezl shared that he considers these interactions as part of the game, adding a new level of excitement for both players and spectators. He drew laughter from fans recalling the moment when he turned to the crowd to hype them up, only to have the whistle-blowing official come racing over to remind him of the rules. "I thought I was merely being entertaining!" he chuckled, showcasing his laid-back approach to what could have been an overly serious moment. It's clear he loves the game and thrives on the energy coming from the stands.
As Harrell settles into his new role with the Adelaide 36ers, he continues to express his excitement about playing in a league that celebrates both basketball prowess and fan engagement. For the Adelaide crowd, having an NBA veteran with such a colorful personality definitely adds to the entertainment factor. Fans can’t wait to see what other antics he might get into during the season.
Fun Fact: Montrezl Harrell was named the NBA Sixth Man of the Year in 2020, a testament to his skill as a key player off the bench! And speaking of crowd interactions, the NBL has been known for its enthusiastic fans who make game night feel like a carnival, showcasing a true Australian sporting spirit!
He's played over 500 NBA games but Adelaide recruit Montrezl Harrell says being warned by a referee to stop interacting with the crowd during the 36ers' ...