Cairns Taipans 2018/2019

[miracle.touch]

OP to be updated as news comes to hand.

Still contracted:
Nathan Jawai - exercised option
Kuany Kuany

Confirmed signings:
Mike Kelly [Head Coach] - 2 years
Jamie O'Loughlin [Assistant Coach] - 2 years
Alex Loughton - 1 year?
Lucas Walker - 1 year?
Rob Loe - 2 years
Jarrod Kenny - 2 years
Dexter Kernich-Drew - 1 year
DJ Newbill - 1 year
Mitch Young - 1 year
Melo Trimble - 1 year
Devon Hall - 1 year
Cody Ellis - injury replacement for Lucas Walker (~6 weeks)

Off Contract and/ or unsigned:
Nnanna Egwu
Scoochie Smith
Jerry Evans Jr.
Damon Heuir

Gone:
Aaron Fearne
Cam Gliddon
Mitch McCarron
Stevie Weigh (retired)
Jarrad Weeks

[2sc945]

OP to be updated as news comes to hand.

Still contracted:
Nathan Jawai - exercised option
Kuany Kuany

Confirmed signings:
TBA

Off Contract and/ or unsigned:
Nnanna Egwu
Scoochie Smith
Jerry Evans Jr.
Alex Loughton
Jarrad Weeks
Damon Heuir

Gone:
Aaron Fearne
Cam Gliddon
Mitch McCarron
Stevie Weigh (retired)

Would the club fold?

[miracle.touch]

Would the club fold?

I see no reason why that would happen.

[miracle.touch]

Mike Kelly signed as head coach for 2 years: http://www.taipans.com/news/article/...come-to-cairns

I especially like this bit...

"“I’m looking forward to working closely with Mark [Beecroft] and recruiting a talented, up-tempo team that Cairns will be proud of."

[2sc945]

I see no reason why that would happen.

Not a good sign when the best players and the head coach all chose to leave.

[miracle.touch]

Not a good sign when the best players and the head coach all chose to leave.

I look at that from another angle.

The head coach didn't choose to leave, that was the boards decision.
McCarron did not leave to play for another NBL club, but to further his career overseas, so that point is moot.
That really only leaves Gliddon. Depending on where he ends up, it could just be a case of wanting to move closer to home.

Hardly rats deserting a sinking ship, IMO.

[miracle.touch]

OP updated:

- Loughzy re-signed
- Waxy signed
- Weeksy gone to NZ

[GordonG]

Starting to look like an interesting team. The one thing that Mike Kelly said that got my attention was "...we're gonna have fun!"

[miracle.touch]

The rumours have been confirmed... Jarrod Kenny signing for 2.

[GordonG]

And now Jamie P gone from the coaching ranks. New broom...

[miracle.touch]

DJ Newbill signed!

[Wild 1]

The thing is now more than ever it feels like the chances of a Wollongong or Cairns title win are the slimmest they've been, and going forward will just get even more difficult. Not sure where the big cash injections for these regional sides will come from to be able to compete. Gliddon and McCarron, Norton and Kay. Prime examples of what the landscape will be going forward I feel.

[miracle.touch]

Mitch Young & Jamie O'Loughlin added.

[miracle.touch]

Melo Trimble signed, sounds like he could be a very good get!

[GordonG]

Add Devon Hall into the mix, and things are starting to look very interesting. Can't wait!

[miracle.touch]

You're right, Gordon. That's an excellent trio of imports right there!

[miracle.touch]

Cody Ellis brought in to cover for Lucas Walker who has had ankle surgery.

[Wild 1]

Mike Kelly pretty much nailing the blueprint on how you put together a team which may not have the huge budget of others. Lock down quality imports who can shoot the ball, alongside veteran locals and winning role players. At least have a team which, if theyre on, they can beat anyone on any given night.

[Wild 1]

Cody Ellis brought in to cover for Lucas Walker who has had ankle surgery.

Would love Ellis to torch Illawarra in round 2 haha