THE upcoming season of the National Basketball League (NBL) is just around the corner, with the season opener slated for the 2nd of December. As the NBL Blitz pre-season campaign comes to a close, sides across the league will be finalising their preparations for their NBL22 campaigns. With that said, it is time for us to take one final look at each team, and how they are faring heading into the upcoming season. Next under the microscope are the Cairns Taipans, who will have redemption on their mind as they look to bounce back from a wooden spoon finish in 2020.

Cairns Taipans

Ins: Keanu Pinder, Tahjere McCall, Brayden Inger, Bul Kuol, Stephen Zimmerman

Captain: Scott Machado

Coach: Adam Forde

Record last season: 8-28 (9th)

Roster:

Brayden Inger

Bul Kuol

Jarrod Kenny

Jordan Ngatai

Kouat Noi

Majok Deng

Mirko Djeric

Nathan Jawai

Scott Machado

Stephen Zimmerman

Tahjere McCall

The Taipans will be looking for an improved effort in their upcoming campaign, after the disappointment of last season. Injuries and inconsistency destroyed the team’s hopes of creating a winning record, as they slumped to a last placed finish with just eight victories from their 36 matches. The inclusions of Zimmerman, McCall and Pinder should give the side a fresher and more dynamic look, as they attempt to cover the losses of key personnel over the offseason. The side also has an element of unpredictability with Forde entering his first season as head coach, so it remains to be seen how the team will operate with a new man at the helm. It was just two years ago that the Taipans were able to deliver a season with plenty of promise with a largely similar list. If they can find their way back to that form, they may surprise everyone in NBL22.