Taipans Sign Australian Euro Talent

Sunday, July 9, 2023

Europe-based Australian forward Lachlan Anderson has signed a two-year deal with the Cairns Taipans.

Former Eastern Kentucky University and current Cairns Marlins forward Lachlan Anderson has signed a two-year deal at the Cairns Taipans, with a club option.

Following the culmination of his collegiate career Anderson, now 25, has played professionally in North Macedonia and Lithuania, as well as NBL1 with East side Bankstown and North side Marlins.

He is currently averagering over 20 points per game for the Marlins and reached the semi-finals of the North Macedonian Cup with KK TFT Skopje earlier this year.

Taipans head coach Adam Forde he noticed the Sydneysider while scouting another recruit.

“Lachlan really sparked my interest when we were studying film on Pat [Miller],” Forde said.

“They played against each other while in Lithuania. I recall one game where Lachlan had 11 points with a few blocks and steals, in a win for his team. From there, our assistant Will Lopez started to deep dive on him for me.

“I knew of Lachlan as the basketball player, mainly from my depth chart from his time in college, but I didn’t know him as the person.

“Will was instrumental in changing that by getting him up to Cairns. From there I was able to run some work group workouts and liked what he could bring to our team, both on and off the court.”

Anderson said he was thrilled to sign his first professional contract in Australia.

“I’ve been trying to make the NBL since I left college, and coming to Cairns has been the best move. I know they took on a risk on me when they recruited me to the Marlins, and Kerry [Williams] got me in front of Fordey,” Anderson said.

“You hear about how Fordey is a player’s coach, but you don’t realise to just what extent until you get here. He’s a great guy and he really pushes his players.

“Seeing Lat [Mayen] and Ben [Ayre] take it to the next level with the Taipans, after playing Marlins, gives me confidence what can be done. If you work hard here, you’ll get your shot.”

Cairns takes on the New Zealand Breakers in the opening round of NBL24, at Spark Arena on Saturday, September 30.