Forde goes back to the future

The Cairns Taipans’ offence has been stuttering to start the new season. Not anymore. They scored 115 points en route to a win over ladder leaders Melbourne, and some of their offensive sets looked eerily familiar.

Adam Forde’s Australian basketball coaching apprenticeship has been completed under some of the best hoops minds the country has to offer. The reigning NBL Coach of the Year spent over half a decade under legendary coach Trevor Gleeson, before moving to Sydney under Will Weaver.

Forde looked to one of those former mentors to help provide his side with a bit of added spark heading into Round 9.

“Trevor Gleeson will be sitting in his living room right now smiling,” Forde told News Corp.

Adam Forde spent six seasons as an assistant coach at the Perth Wildcats.

“I had a six-year master’s degree in flex (offence), but I’ve been trying to build my own identity as a coach. (Offensively) it’s been trash for years.

“There’s a moment where I sit here and go ‘I’ve coached a (unique) defence my entire coaching career, but every year my offence is average.

“Thanks Trevor, appreciate the playbook and the six years education on it. I think we’ll stick with it for a little longer.”

Forde’s Taipans face a double-header in Round 10. First they host the Kings on Thursday night before traveling to take on Adelaide on Saturday.

For the full story head to >> NBL Taipans: Disciple becomes the master: Forde turns to the archives to blaze path forward.