capita
Years ago
reporters not allowed to talk to chappell
from NBL.com
The Adelaide 36ers are shielding Mike Chappell from the media in a hope the struggling import can rediscover his best form away from prying microphones and cameras.
Chappell has averaged just 11 points per game at 33 per cent since joining the Sixers and is struggling to retain his spot on the roster.
Coach Phil Smyth said reporters had not been allowed to interview the 203-cm player so he could concentrate on playing good ball.
"There hasn't been an explanation for it medically with the first set of tests so we are hoping something in the second set of tests will come back," he said.
"It might have just been something in his system that's made him flat."
Despite the media interest and the club's own obvious concern about the 29-year-old, Smyth said the Sixers' game against the Sydney Kings wasn't necessarily Chappell's last chance to fire.
Smyth said every player goes through bad runs and observers of the game should assess the team's overall form rather than just an individual's performance.