Three losses from three games isn’t exactly what Adam Forde would have been hoping for at the Hungry Jack’s NBL Blitz, but for the Taipans, the positives were clear.
Cairns opted against playing pre-season matches before the Blitz, but were able to get some valuable time into their rotation in Darwin, and gave fans a glimpse of what to expect in NBL23.
You just need to look to the form of DJ Hogg, who scored 24 points against reigning Grand Finalists the Tasmania JackJumpers.
To Ben Ayre, who knocked down five three-pointers and hit 26 points in the same game.
To Keanu Pinder, who continues to get better and better, scoring 21 to go with five boards in the Taipans’ Blitz opener, before being sidelined with illness for the next two games.
To Tahjere McCall, who is a proven star and an outstanding leader, as illustrated by his coaching debut on Thursday night.
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To Sam Waardenburg, who will only get better with more game time, as will Jonah Antonio, who impressed against Perth.
It’s a well-rounded mix of youth and experience, with import Shannon Scott providing some valuable leadership around the group.
There’s plenty to like about the Cairns Taipans, and they continue to drive high standards.
“I’ve learned our energy and style of play is very contagious,” Scott told The Cairns Post.
“I talked to the guys yesterday and we realised that if you’re on the court with us and you’re not playing hard or together, you’re going to stick out, because everybody else is doing it.”
Cairns finished last season ninth on the NBL standings, but loom as one of the big improvers in NBL23.
“It’s just learning more about our team,” Scott said of the Taipans’ improvement.
“We’re still learning a lot about ourselves.
“At the end of the day, we just want to learn from each and every game, so when it comes time to play our first game of the regular season, we’re ready to go.”
