Cairns announces huge addition

While it’s still to be ratified by the NBL, Cairns is celebrating perhaps the biggest player acquisition in the club’s history, Jack McVeigh.

McVeigh played with the Houston Rockets last year after securing a two-way contract, following an NBL24 title and Championship Series MVP with the Tasmania JackJumpers.

At 29, he’d be a massive addition to a team that’s urged patience from its members with promises of exciting news ahead - but few would have seen a signing of this calibre coming.

In a club statement put out earlier this week, the JackJumpers announced they’d agreed to release McVeigh from the remaining year of his contract.

Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde said he was excited to welcome a player of McVeigh's calibre to the club.

"I know that the Club were aiming for a marquee-type signing throughout the off-season and knowing that it was a real possibility changed everything about the type of roster we could build," he said.

"I couldn’t be happier that it’s Jack – I think if you could pick the characteristics of an ideal marquee - he ticks them all. From his character to his work ethic, Jack has shown consistency throughout his entire career. His impact in the NBL and on the world stage in the NBA and Olympics is undeniable, and we look forward to him bringing that same energy to Cairns.

"I’ve always admired Jack from afar and seen his growth in the league. He has made remarkable strides throughout his career to better himself as a player and a person.

"But the best thing about Jack is that he is so willing to share his journey with other players, to help them in their careers too. He does this with no agenda other than to help, and that says a lot about his character, his family, and the circle of people he has around him."