Pinder is Best Centre in NBL, Declares Coach

Cairns Taipans coach Adam Forde has declared Keanu Pinder is the best five man in the league following their 81-77 win over Melbourne United.

“He is All-First team…he’s the best five man in the league,” Forde said.

Pinder dominated for Cairns in Thursday night’s win over Melbourne with 26 points and 10 rebounds. He is averaging 19 points per game, fourth in the league, while also pulling down 10 rebounds per game to be the only player averaging a double-double so far in NBL23.

“He’s leading the league in rebounds,” Forde said.

“He leads bigs in all categories when it comes to assists and efficiency.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Last minute saves from Pinder ? ?<br><br>Watch <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBL23?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBL23</a> live on ESPN via Kayo Sports and Foxtel <a href="https://t.co/OPVZonJt8k">pic.twitter.com/OPVZonJt8k</a></p>&mdash; The NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1583040437912162306?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Pinder’s performances have improved in Cairns under Forde’s coaching style, as he has transformed himself since moving from the Adelaide 36ers to be the league's Most Improved Player last season.

“We need to stop talking about the player he was and address the player he is,” Forde said.

“Why did we get him in from Adelaide is because what he was good at, even as a small sample size, was super efficient.

“All we’ve done is expanded that and given him more opportunities, put him in an environment where he can blossom and grow.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Keanu took FLIGHT ??<br><br>Watch <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBL23?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBL23</a> live on ESPN via Kayo Sports and Foxtel <a href="https://t.co/YUBeWTVn2i">pic.twitter.com/YUBeWTVn2i</a></p>&mdash; The NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1583034220456210433?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 20, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

Import forward DJ Hogg contributed strongly in Thursday night’s game with 13 points and five rebounds. Securing their fourth win on the road has sparked the flame for the Taipans to continue riding the same wave for their home fans.

“Even though they went on a little run there we were able to weather the storm and then focus on figuring out how to win the game,” Hogg said.

“So far we’re doing pretty well (winning on the road).

“Now we got one at home Sunday, so we got to put on a show for our fans there and give them something to come to our games for.”

The Taipans take on the New Zealand Breakers on Sunday at Cairns Convention Centre.