Revamped Cairns coming “with a vengeance”

The revamp of the Cairns Taipans’ roster shows no signs of slowing down after the recent signings of Sunday Dech and Keanu Pinder.

The pair join Australian Boomers Jack McVeigh and Reyne Smith, NBL Next Star Luke Paul, three-time NBL champion Shaun Bruce, and versatile big man Kyrin Galloway on the Snakes’ exciting roster for the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 Season.

Following his recent arrival in Far North Queensland, 32-year-old Dech believes the stars are aligning for Adam Forde’s team to make a run at their maiden title.

“Basketball is ever evolving and so are teams, and to have a coach [Adam Forde] be stable in a team for that long goes a long way, because you learn from the previous year and the year before that,” Dech said during his arrival press conference.

“I think this is the year where the stars align, and it felt like there was no better time than now.

“It’s a culmination of all the learnings prior, but also understanding where the League is going and where basketball is going as well.

“That’s why I’m up here. That’s why Brucey is up here, KP, Jack, Luke Paul, Kyrin – you name it. It’s a really exciting roster and one where he feels everyone has a chip on their shoulder and has a point to prove.

“That’s why we’re all coming to play for him, because we know he cares for us deeply as people, but then on the court too he’s going to expect nothing but greatness and push us to be the best we can be.

“Cairns have always been the underdog, and we’re all going to go out there with a vengeance every time we step on the court.”

The 2026-27 campaign will mark Dech’s first under Forde as a head coach, although the pair did work together while at the Perth Wildcats.

“This [reunion] has been a long time coming,” Dech said.

“Fordey coached me when I started playing basketball, while progressing through the coaching ranks himself.

“[The thing with Fordey], he always gave me the time and emphasised the importance of putting in the work.

“I’ve talked to Fordey every off-season when contracts have come up, so finally get signed, I’m definitely chomping at the bit to get settled in and get the season underway.”

Cairns opens its season against reigning champions Sydney at Afterpay Arena on Sunday, September 20.

‍>> NBL27 Roster Tracker: Every signing, extension and departure