Perhaps all hope is not lost when it comes to the first Belgian player to debut in the NBL. The same week after he was released by the South East Melbourne Phoenix, Vrenz Bleijenbergh joined the Adelaide 36ers in training and then suited up for them in their exhibition game against Panathinaikos. He took the place of Montrezl Harrell who is trying to clear up whatever consequence awaits him after he tested positive for cannabis during his offseason stint in China.

The 36ers have an opportunity to sign another import once the naturalisation of Bryce Cotton becomes official at some point in the near future (it was first claimed to be at the start of the season yet the season has started and it has not happened). Bleijenbergh could be a quick fix type of solution with his playmaking and rebounding abilities. Although the 36ers would perhaps like to sign another ball handling guard more than anything, they fear turning into the Adelaide 36 Guards if they add another one to their roster. Bleijenbergh counters this by being a ball handler who is not a guard. There would not be many players of his ability available in the world so it could be that he fills this final spot.

It was a modest showing for Bleijenbergh in his Panathinaikos game. He recorded 7 points, 3 rebounds and 2 assists in under 16 minutes. Bleijenbergh finished in an unfortunate fashion by being the sole player of the game to foul out but did have a couple of questionable calls go against him. It was understandable considering he has only had a couple of training sessions with the team and he could still be feeling disappointed about what happened with the Phoenix.

The door for the rare 6’11” ball handling forward to enter the NBL stays ajar. It will be fascinating to know if Bleijenbergh finally manages to make it completely through.

Edit 26/9/25: The 36ers decided to not retain Bleijenbergh and he is expected to return to Europe.