Brisbane backs Queensland made by signing talented FNQ teenager
Brisbane Bullets coach Andrej Lemanis wants his club to be something all Queenslanders can be proud of, following the signing of Cairns prodigy Tamuri Wigness.
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BRISBANE Bullets coach Andrej Lemanis wants his club to be something all Queenslanders can be proud of, following the signing of Cairns prodigy Tamuri Wigness.
The deal just fell short of getting over the line last off-season and the Bullets have finally landed the flashy floor general with his first professional contract.
The deal is for two NBL seasons.
The local talent, who has trained with the Taipans for years, will now play with their biggest rivals.
Wigness, who only recently turned 18, considered attending college after his junior programs but will now go professional.
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When announcing Wigness’ deal, Lemanis, the former Australian Boomers coach and multiple NBL championship winner, pointed to the fact his club now had five players – or 50 per cent of the roster – who had developed through the Basketball Queensland pathway.
In comparison, Cairns’ roster has just the one.
Mojave King is of New Zealand and American background but lived some of his life in Brisbane.
Cairns guard Mirko Djeric previously played with the Townsville Crocodiles, but is from Sydney originally.
“When we re-entered the league four years ago, we wanted to ensure that the team was well-represented by Queensland talent – not just because they are from Queensland, but because they are good enough to compete at NBL level,” Lemanis said.
“It’s a credit to all involved in the Queensland basketball pathway that we have now been able to deliver on that goal.
“This is a team that all Queenslanders can relate to and should be proud of. Giving the next junior player the inspiration to – and knowledge that he can – play in the NBL in his home state is pretty cool.”
Wigness’ deal has been a long-time coming, with many junior coaches suggesting he had NBA potential once he developed his game.
“I’ve been really excited to come up and start,” Wigness said
“I can’t wait to get up there, start working and be ready for the season.
“I’m more comfortable with them and the pre-season Blitz went perfectly.
“Everything fell into place and it made the decision a lot easier.”
The Taipans are yet to announce a signing of a player since the free-agency period opened almost a week ago.
Originally published as Brisbane backs Queensland made by signing talented FNQ teenager