Andrews ‘excited to have impact’ on Taipans

Just days before their Hungry Jack’s NBL26 home opener against Brisbane, the Cairns Taipans have received a massive boost.

Import point guard Andrew Andrews, who has played professionally in the United States, Latvia, Israel, Turkey, Greece, Spain and Lithuania, landed in Cairns on Wednesday and spoke to the media.

“I’m happy to be here and I’m excited to meet my coaches and teammates,” Andrews said, who’s kept tabs on the NBL previously due to his connections to Milton Doyle, Jordon Crawford and Montrezl Harrell.

“[I hope to] bring experience [to this group], as well as the ability to score and assist the at a high level, which I’ve done [previously] in Europe. 

“I know this is a strong, up-and-coming league and I’m excited to have an impact.”

Despite Cairns’ opening round loss to South East Melbourne, Andrews, who played with the Delaware 87ers in the NBA G League, is confident in his squad’s ability.

“This is such a long season, so it’s hard to pick apart someone too much on just one game,” the 32-year-old said, who would ‘love to play’ in Friday’s matchup, which will depend on FIBA clearance.

“We have a lot of new faces on this squad, who all understand it’s a process.

“I’m looking forward to getting to work and helping bring it all together.

“For a lot of my time in Europe and throughout my career, I’ve been that combo guard, so I’m excited about that PG role - something I haven’t played since college - it should be very fun.”

Andrews, who admitted Adam Forde’s ‘genuine personality and love for basketball and his players’ sold him on Cairns, and his Taipans tip off their clash with Brisbane at 7.30pm AEST, live on ESPN.

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