Cairns calls a Blitz audible

He’s already one of the most talented players on the court, and just like last year, Tahjere McCall is set to test his talents off it, at this month’s Hungry Jack’s NBL Blitz.

Head coach McCall is back, with the Cairns Taipans star set to grab the clipboard from Adam Forde and lead his team into battle.

“I’ll do something that was done to me when I was an assistant coach at Perth,” Forde explained.

“Trev (Gleeson), as part of my professional development, allowed me to coach a game, so this Blitz will see Tahj coach again.”

Assistant coaches Sam Gruggen and Kerry Williams will also have the chance to take on the main role, as a new-look Taipans team aims to replicate its incredible rise from last season.

Cairns went from ninth in NBL22, to third in NBL23, ultimately falling to the Sydney Kings in the Playoffs. 

They’ve lost several big names, with Keanu Pinder and DJ Hogg both heading elsewhere, but Forde’s talent factory is back in full production, with the likes of Next Star Bobi Klintman and former collegiate talents Sam Mennenga and Taran Armstrong leading up an exciting list of additions. 

“I’ve got an idea of who my front seven, front eight guys are, but the Blitz always provides an opportunity, a platform for guys to surprise,” Forde said. 

“It’s three games, 40 minutes apiece of teaching points, room for improvement and areas of exploration.”

The Taipans will travel to New Zealand for their season-opener on September 30.