Machado’s leadership critical for the Taipans in Bullets battle

Scott Machado will be out to correct the record when he leads the Taipans in the first official NBL Sunshine Stoush against the Brisbane Bullets at the Cairns Convention Centre.

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Scott Machado will be out to correct the record when he goes into battle tonight.

Machado leads the NBL in assists (7.5) and turnovers (3.8) after six rounds, but the pass-first point guard had arguably his most quiet game in last week’s loss to the Hawks.

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He finished with just two assists in the 10-point loss, but the American is ready to fire against a Bullets team looking for redemption.

But it is the immeasurable qualities, most notably leadership, where he will look to make the biggest impact.

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Taipans coach Mike Kelly said Machado had embraced the leadership position. “His talk, bringing the group together has been really good,” Kelly said.

“His energy, defensively especially, and attacking the basket.

“He knows that he carries a lot on his shoulders and he’s trying to do his job well, so other guys can follow his lead and do their jobs well.”

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Kelly said the point guards – Machado, Jarrod Kenny and Anthony Fisher – provide even more leadership behind co-captains DJ Newbill and Nate Jawai. Machado said his focus is to help the younger, less experienced players develop.

“I try to just make sure everyone is calm and sticks to the game plan,” he said.

Originally published as Machado’s leadership critical for the Taipans in Bullets battle