Cairns’ X-factor in title hunt

The first week in Australia has been a whirlwind for Cairns Taipans import Andrew Andrews.

After arriving in the country on Wednesday, the 32-year-old guard helped the Taipans win a pair of valuable Round 2 victories over Brisbane and Sydney.

So impressive were the performances, NBL legend Cal Bruton said Andrews is Cairns ‘missing piece’ that Adam Forde’s side have been looking for.

“I like him [Andrews]. He looks cool, calm and collected,” 1985 NBL champions Bruton said on Tuesday's episode of NBL Now.

“I believe he’s going to be a nice personality for the league.

“He seems like a true leader, with the ball in his hands, and he’s letting everyone else play with it.

“Because he feels confident he can find the right people at the right time, but [in the same breath] don’t leave him open because he will pull up and hit a three.

“I’m impressed how he came off the plane and handled his business.

“He seems to be just what the doctor ordered for them [Cairns] and maximise the pieces they have.

“Once they find their feet and he gets his legs under him, I believe he’s going to be the ingredient that creates some real success in Cairns.”

Andrews and his Taipans will look to make it three wins on the bounce when they host Bryce Cotton and the Adelaide 36ers on Thursday night.

The Round 3 fixture tips off at 7.30pm AEST, broadcast live on ESPN.