Crazy John's South Dragons playing-coach Shane Heal says his players' hectic pre-season has given them the fitness base to run out HUMMER Championship NBL games under duress.

The Dragons played four games in eight days but displayed plenty of energy and enthusiasm in their 40-23 final quarter against the Adelaide 36ers on Saturday.

Heal said his side had worked hard to prepare for tough runs in the season.

"We probably played more pre-season games than anybody else because we had a young team and tried to educate guys to get through that (multiple games)," he said.

"Some of it got through because we could put ourselves in a position to be able to do it (win against the Sixers) but this is a really early stage for our whole development."

While the Dragons' comeback against the Sixers was admirable, Heal said he was disappointed the team hadn't recorded more victories this season.

"It's starting to get frustrating because we know we are getting better as a team but we are not good enough to win consistently against the best teams," he said.

"We really can't win ugly at the moment, we either win pretty or we just don't get dirty."

"Everyone really wants it we just have to be able to find a way to get the confidence to do it day in and day out."

"I think over the next couple of years it's going to be exciting for us but at the same time I don't have the patience for the next couple of years because I want to win now and I know the guys do in the team as well."

Heal said the team didn't do enough during the opening three quarters against the 36ers but still found some positives in the team's performance.

The final quarter comeback (in which Joe Ingles scored 13 points) was pleasing while Bakari Hendrix was a strong performer with 24 points and five rebounds.

He was also amazed by Jacob Holmes' work off the boards at the Distinctive Homes Dome.

"Week in week out he astonishes me. I don't know too many people that can jump less than me but to come up with 20 rebounds in a game is unbelievable," Heal said.

The pressure-filled final quarter was another welcomed experience for Heal who is both playing and coaching for a second year.

"I'm going to keep developing as coach, obviously there's no manual of player/coach that you read and all of sudden you know everything and how it happens," he said.
"I'm looking forward to getting to the bench at some stage and developing my role as a coach."

"I've got good leaders on the team that can get better."