Cairns All Time

The Taipans are entering into there 11th season in the league. Even though I can't find career stats on them I have a firm idea of who my greatest 6 are. Cairns head coaching position started with Rod Popovich followed by Guy Molloy, Alan Black, Mark Beecroft and now Aaron Fearne. Even though they struggled in the early years they gradually got better with a semi final appearance against the Kings in 2006. 

Anyways here is my top 6

Point Guard: Aaron Trahair

Azza showed glimpses of his best while he was at Cairns with multiple 40 point games back in 2005. His effortless jump shot and his crafty moves that he possessed with the junior national team resurfaced and lead the team the Taipans to best season at the time.

Shooting Guard: Anthony Stewart

Mister Potato Head captained the Taipans after coming over from the Perth Wildacts. He quickly became the number 1 man in Cairns and was the first guy to sell his body for advertising when he donned the Parkridge airbrush tattoo while playing. His long bombs became a usual trait at the Cairns convention center and his passion always fired up the crowd. 

Small Forward: Martin Cattalini

Cat returned from Europe and signed with the Taipans and also became the captain. He had a great season back in 2007 when he was All NBL First team and had a 50 point game against the Brisbane Bullets. He played every possession like it was his last and the Cairns crowd loved it. An absolute scoring machine with a deadly three point and one dribble pull up jumper mastered over the years he is still one of the most dangerous players in the league to date.

Power Forward: Ben Knight

The big swooper has been a journey man around the league but really found his niche in Cairns. Coming in after Cairns had a 2 win season Benny showed his hustle and hard work which warranted extended time on the court that he previously didn't get. He gave Cairns toughness that they previously lacked and is the ultimate teammate that everyone loves playing with.

Center: Nathan Jawai

Showed everyone that he was more than hype when he came into the league and dunked on everyone. He was NBL rookie of the year and MVP of the All Star game. The NBL hadn't seen much of a person of his height, speed and power and probably more remember for his alley oops that he threw down off a Stephen Black pass. His last season was good enough to get him a gig in the NBA.

6th Man: Aaron Grabau

Hard to leave out the guy how has been there every year and is the only Taipans player to have his jersey retired. Known as one of the best defenders in the league and can knock down the open three if left open. Again one of the great guys in the NBL and I'm sure the Taipans are proud to have someone of his magnitude representing there organization. 

Honorable Mentions: Stephen Black, Darnell Mee, Chris Burgess

Until next time when we look at Townsville

Have a beer for me

Wortho