Cairns Secures Kiwi Collegiate Star

After the success of Sam Waardenburg in NBL23, the Cairns Taipans have secured the contract of another collegiate New Zealand born player for NBL24.

Sam Mennenga will begin his professional career with the Taipans after playing three seasons with the North Carolina-based Davidson College in the NCAA, and has signed a two-year deal with the club..

Mennenga experienced a breakout 2022-23 season with the Davidson Wildcats and averaged 15.2 points at over 50 per cent from the field and 6.7 rebounds across 32 games.

"This is a big get. Sam maintains our direction of brining in young, high character guys with high level talent," head coach Adam Forde said.

"From a team perspective we know we need to address some deficiencies in our offence. Sam does exactly this and adds another element to our style of play which we haven't had before."

Mennenga also brings extensive international experience to the Taipans ahead of commencing his professional career, having represented New Zealand at the 2022 FIBA Asia Games.

He was also named to the Basketball Without Borders Global Team at the 2019 NBA All-Star Weekend, and the World Select Team at the 2019 NBA Academy Games.

"He is tough and athletic which makes him an effective scorer around the rim," Forde added. "The pairing of him and Sam Waardenburg is a pretty cool big man duo.

"The mental approach Sam has to basketball is very impressive ... everyone we contracted described his tireless work ethic and his desire to be great.

"That is something we strive for here at the Taipans."