Cairns basketball stalwart named Queensland’s best

Mike Scott considers himself the “marine engineer” of Cairns Basketball, making sure the engine room is intact so the rest of the operation can run as smoothly as possible.

• Baynes: ‘They say ignorance is bliss. I say bull****’
• Seekamp shocks by swapping Opals for goat farming
• NBA return comes with big caveat for Ingles
• ‘Angry’ MJ takes incredible $100M stand against racism

He considers himself the “marine engineer” of Cairns Basketball, making sure the engine room is intact so the rest of the operation can run as smoothly as possible.

But after two decades at the local organisation, Mike Scott can now officially be regarded as the state’s best administrator after he was formally recognised by Basketball Queensland.

He put his success down to the opening of a new court, various infrastructure projects and the national selection of seven Cairns juniors, although his biggest praise was reserved for the team which works tirelessly behind the scenes.

“I was humbled receiving a nomination, let alone the award,” Scott said.

Cairns Basketball general manager Mike Scott named Basketball Queensland's Administrator of the Year. PICTURE: STEWART McLEAN

“There was a lot of excitement internally, as everyone knows I’m quiet on the outside. Really, it’s a congratulations to Cairns Basketball.

“Any success I’ve had this year is on the back of the hardworking group of people who are the backbone of Cairns Basketball.”

Scott said the success of the Taipans in the NBL for the past two decades had played a role in helping Cairns Basketball become better established in the Far North. What’s next for Cairns Basketball, other than getting back on the court after coronavirus restrictions ease further and a number of other infrastructure plans, is to steer the Dolphins to the play-offs in the women’s NBL1 North.

“We are blessed with the males and the Marlins because we have the support of the Taipans players,” Scott said. “We don’t have that benefit with the women’s programs.

Originally published as Cairns basketball stalwart named Queensland’s best