From current players to legends of the game, the top 40 best basketballers since 2000
From current legends to past players who played in the NBA, NBL and further abroad. We have taken a deep dive and found the best basketballers to develop or come out of the region. FIND OUT who made the list here
Local Sport
Don't miss out on the headlines from Local Sport. Followed categories will be added to My News.
The Cairns Taipans were founded in 1999 but basketball in the Far North Queensland region has been around for many years before.
From current legends to past players who played in the NBA, NBL, American College basketball, European League and other major competitions around the world.
We have taken a deep dive and found the best basketballers to develop or come out of the region.
Aron Baynes
Born and raised in Mareeba. The 208cm (6ft 10in) centre progressed through Cairns State High School and the Australian Institute of Sport before reaching the pinnacle of NBA with the San Antonio Spurs, winning a championship in 2014 alongside basketball icons Gregg Popovich, Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Kawhi Leonard.
Known for his physicality, rebounding and defensive prowess, he represented Australia in three Olympic Games, securing a bronze medal in Tokyo 2020. After a remarkable recovery from a spinal cord injury, Baynes returned to the NBL with the Brisbane Bullets before retiring in 2024, leaving a lasting legacy in Far North Queensland basketball.
Nathan Jawai
Born in Sydney and raised in Bamaga, Queensland, Nathan Jawai is a 209cm (6ft 10in) centre who made history as the first Indigenous Australian to play in the NBA.
He rose through the ranks with Cairns Marlins, before beginning his professional career with the Cairns Taipans in 2007, earning NBL Rookie of the Year honours in 2008. Jawai’s career includes stints with the Toronto Raptors and Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA, as well as successful tenures in Europe with teams like Partizan Belgrade, where he won the Adriatic League and Serbian Cup in 2011. Known for his strength and presence in the paint, he returned to the NBL, playing for the Perth Wildcats and the Taipans.
Kerry Williams
Born and raised in Cairns, Kerry Williams is a 181cm (5ft 11in) point guard who became a significant figure in Far North Queensland basketball. A product of the Cairns Basketball program, he played 105 NBL games for the Cairns Taipans between 2008 and 2012, known for his speed and defensive tenacity. Transitioning into coaching, Williams served as head coach for the Cairns Marlins in the NBL1 North and was appointed as an assistant coach for the Taipans in 2021. Williams continues to make a strong contribution to the growth of basketball in the region both on and off the court.
Deba George
Born in Thursday Island and raised in Cairns, Deba George is a 183cm (6ft 0in) point guard renowned for his dynamic scoring and playmaking abilities. He began his basketball journey with the Cairns Basketball program, making his NBL debut with the Cairns Taipans at 19, before eventually racking up 33 games. He led the Mackay Meteors to a championship in 2011 and earned Grand Final MVP honours. He continued to impact the game in the NBL1 North, playing for teams like the Albury Wodonga Bandits and the Darwin Salties, where he maintained his reputation as a prolific scorer and leader on the court.
Curt Ah Wang
A stalwart for the Cairns Marlins, Ah Wang played his 300th game for the team in June 2024, underscoring both his commitment and value to the Cairns basketball community.
He was renowned for his defensive tenacity and sharpshooting abilities. Off the court, he has become a developer of the next generation of talented players in the region.
Patrick Donald
A 204cm (6ft 9in) centre, Donald played for the Cairns Marlins in the Australian NBL One. His role as a centre was pivotal in anchoring the team’s defence and providing interior scoring.
James Mitchell
Born in Kogarah but raised in Cairns, Mitchell was a versatile guard-forward with a dynamic skillet. He began his professional career with the Cairns Marlins in 2010 and served as a development player for the Cairns Taipans in the NBL from 2010 to 2013. A strong leader, Mitchell captained the Marlins to a QBL Championship in 2016. Had a stint with the Rockhampton Rockets in the QBL, before returning to the Marlins in 2021.
Kody Stattmann
One of the sharpest sporting talents to come out of the region in recent history. Kody Stattmann is a 202cm (6ft 8in) guard/forward known for his versatility and sharpshooting abilities. He developed his skills at St. Augustine’s College and represented Australia in various youth international tournaments, including the FIBA U17 and U19 World Cups.
Stattmann played college basketball at the University of Virginia from 2018 to 2022, where he was part of the Cavaliers’ 2019 NCAA Championship team. After college, he returned to Australia, joining the Brisbane Bullets, before signing with South East Melbourne Phoenix. In 2024, Stattmann returned to his hometown, signing a two-year deal with the Cairns Taipans.
Joel Khalu
A proud North Queenslander, Khalu was born in Gimuy (Cairns) and grew up in Yidinji country on the south-side of the city. He began his playing career with the Cairns Marlins, achieving two National Championships (1998, 2007) and six Queensland League Championships.
Khalu’s coaching career is distinguished by his leadership of the Mackay Meteors, guiding them to multiple NBL1 North championships and earning Coach of the Year honours.
Internationally, he served as the head coach of the Papua New Guinea men’s national team, leading them to a FIBA Melanesia Cup gold medal in 2017.
He is currently an assistant coach for Illawarra Hawks.
Beyond coaching, Khalu has been instrumental in developing basketball within Indigenous communities, founding the ‘Hoop Dreaming Project’ in 2006 to use basketball as a tool for youth development.
Jeromie Hill
A 203cm (6ft 8in) forward born in Cairns who navigated his way through the Cairns Basketball system, while playing for Cairns State High School under esteemed coach Brad Burgon. Hill began his basketball journey with the Cairns Marlins and earned the QBL’s Under-23 Player of the Year award in 2010. After developing at the Australian Institute of Sport, he had a standout collegiate career at the University of Texas at San Antonio, becoming one of the program’s all-time leading scorers and rebounders. Hill played professionally in the NBL with the Sydney Kings and Brisbane Bullets, earning recognition for his shooting range, basketball IQ and leadership.
Peterson Opio
Born in Papua New Guinea, Opio – a 194cm (6ft 5in) forward – was known for his athleticism and versatility during his tenure with the Cairns Marlins in the mid-2000s. His playing style was characterised by strong defensive capabilities and the ability to contribute effectively on both ends of the court.
Charles Opio
The shooting guard born in Papua New Guinea was part of the Taipans youth academy, representing Queensland at junior levels before going on to play for the Mulgrave Magic and Bundaberg Bulls.
Opio was a fierce defensive stopper with a dangerous wingspan and terrific athleticism.
Rowan Gray
Gray, a 203cm (6ft 8in) power forward/centre from Cairns, had a significant career both domestically and internationally. After playing college basketball at San Diego Christian College in the USA – where he earned All-GSAC honours. He returned to Australia and joined the Gold Coast Blaze in the NBL before playing for the Cairns Marlins in the QBL. Known for his rebounding, defensive prowess, and strong presence in the paint, Gray also played with the Gladstone Port City Power.
Matthew Adekponya
The Australian-born Ghanaian began his career with the Cairns Marlins in the Queensland Basketball League (QBL) – winning championships in 2009 and 2015 – before serving as a development player for the Cairns Taipans during the 2011–2012 and 2012–2013 NBL seasons.
The 194cm (6ft 5in) guard was raised in the Far North, later embarking on an international journey which in includes stints in Portugal with Barcelos Hotel Terco (2013–2014), Malta with PAVI Depiro (2014) and Norway with Nidaros Jets (2014–2015), where he led the league in scoring with 30.2 points per game. The scoring machine also took to the court in Denmark with Team FOG Næstved, winning the Danish Cup in 2017.
Aaron Grabau
Grabau was born in Melbourne and began playing basketball as a junior with the Dandenong basketball program. Grabau is an icon of basketball in Cairns, having played more than 12 seasons in the NBL with the Taipans, including in their inaugural game in 1999 but he played over a decade in Queensland’s state league and retired as one of the most dominant players in Queensland basketball history.
Troy Boundy
Born in Cairns, Boundy began playing basketball as a junior with the Cairns basketball program.
The versatile forwardplayed two seasons with the Cairns Taipans, making his NBL debut at 23 years of age in 1999 and scoring 10 points in his first game.
Callum Baynes
Baynes began his professional career with the Brisbane Bullets in the National Basketball League (NBL), playing two seasons from 2005 to 2007. During his tenure, Baynes was part of the Bullets’ championship-winning team in the 2006–2007 season.
After his stint with the Bullets, The older brother of Aron Baynes continued his career in New Zealand, playing for the Hawke’s Bay Hawks in the NZNBL. He was a physical presence in the paint with vicious rebounding ability.
Gausa Arnold
Standing at 188cm (6ft 2in), he played as a guard for the Cairns Marlins, where his athleticism and leadership were key in the team’s successes during the ’90s. Despite retirement, Arnold has remained on the court serving as the on-court MC for Cairns Taipans games at the Cairns Convention Centre.
Dwayne Vale
Dwayne Vale was born and raised in Mount Isa before his family moved to Townsville to help nurture his basketball playing talent. He later was recruited by Aaron Fearne who provided a spot for him on the Cairns Taipans development team as well as played for the Cairns Marlins state league team. Vale won two state (’07 and ’09) and one national titles (’07) with the Cairns Marlins. Known for his scoring ability, Vale transitioned into coaching and administrative roles after his playing career, including serving as General Manager for the North Gold Coast Seahawks.
Tamuri Wigness
Wigness is a lightning-quick point guard who was born in the Torres Strait Islands with ties to Cairns who has represented Australia internationally and played in the NBL with the Brisbane Bullets. Renowned for his explosiveness, the former Cairns State High student creates opportunities with his ability to penetrate defences and deliver pinpoint passes to open teammates. His court awareness and relentless defensive pressure allow him to dictate the tempo of games, making him a dynamic presence on the court.
Aaron Bin-Tahal
Bin Tahal is a product of the Cairns Taipans Academy and always dreamt of leading the Marlins.
A 175cm (5ft 9in) guard from Cairns, Bin-Tahal captained the Marlins, while his agility and speed enabled him to effectively navigate through defences and punish on the scoreboard, while his commitment to defence made him a formidable opponent.
In the community, Bin-Tahal has been actively involved in mentoring and supporting young Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander men through his role as the Director of the Clontarf Academy at Cairns State High School.
Donovan Crowe
Crowe is a 23-year old forward who continues to ply his trade at the Marlins. In the 2024 season, he appeared in 13 games, averaging 8.8 minutes, 2.0 points, and 1.8 rebounds per game with a 48.1% field goal percentage from two-point range.
Travis Drinnan
Drinnan, a 198cm (6ft 6in) forward from Cairns, is a promising young player currently competing for the Cairns Marlins in the NBL1 North league. Known for his scoring efficiency and growing impact on the court, he has also represented Queensland North at the U16 Australian Junior Championships.
Samuel Ellis
A 208cm (6ft 10in) centre from Brisbane with ties to the Cairns Marlins, Ellis showcased his defensive strength and rebounding ability in the NBL1 North league. Currently playing collegiate basketball at Judson University in the United States, the fierce big man continues to develop his game with exposure to higher levels of competition.
Garrett Ellwood
A 208cm (6ft 10in) centre from Cairns, showcased his staunch defence and rebounding ability with the Cairns Marlins before continuing his basketball journey at Felician College in the United States. Known for his shot-blocking and rim protection in the paint, Ellwood – who attended St Mary’s Catholic College – gained valuable international experience, making him a respected player in both Australian and American basketball circles.
Aron Farmer
Farmer, a 197cm (6ft 6in) forward from Cairns, has been a key player for the Cairns Marlins in the NBL1 North league and was named the team’s Most Improved Player in 2022. Farmer plays an unselfish brand of basketball with a team-first approach. The 27-year old has also represented Papua New Guinea internationally, showcasing his dynamic skills at both the club and national levels.
Chris Higginson
A guard from the Far North, he was a key player for the Cairns Marlins during the late ’90s. He was part of the Marlins’ roster that clinched the 1997 Australian CBA North Conference Championship and finished as national finalists.
Jakobe Hunter
Hunter, a 198cm (6ft 6in) forward from the Far North, excelled in the NBL1 North league with teams like the Cairns Marlins and South West Metro Pirates. Known for his relentless scoring, defence and leadership. He has also represented the Apunipima Australian Indigenous Men’s National Team and supports basketball development in Far North Queensland through initiatives like the FNQ Super League.
Denzel Kennedy
Kennedy, a 193cm (6ft 4in) swingman from Cairns, has excelled in basketball through his time at Cairns State High School, Valley City State University in the USA and the Ipswich Force in the NBL1 North league. A proud Kalkadoon man, Kennedy balances his athletic career with community contributions as an Indigenous Liaison Officer and further education, inspiring young athletes in Far North Queensland and beyond.
Mason Khalu
The 24-year old has developed his game through collegiate basketball in the United States, playing for Cardinal Stritch University and Marian University, where he showcased his playmaking and skills at a highly reputable level. Returning to Australia, Khalu joined the Mackay Meteors in the NBL1 North league, providing depth to their back-court and continuing his growth as a well-rounded player.
Francis Loban
Loban, a coach and former player from Thursday Island, was a prominent competitor for Kuiyam Pride in the ’00s.
Loban represented the Torres Strait team in the 2011 Arafura Games and was a participant in regional competitions like the FNQ Super League
A key figure in developing basketball talent in Far North Queensland, including mentoring young athletes within the Indigenous community.
Jason Osborne
Osborne, a 188cm (6ft 2in) from Cairns, played for the Marlins from 2011 to 2014, contributing with his defensive skills and efficient playmaking in the back-court. He also competed in the FNQ Super League with the Bulldogs.
Scott Paget
A 190cm (6ft 3in) guard, played collegiate basketball at the New York Institute of Technology before returning to Australia to compete in the NBL1 North league with the Gold Coast Rollers. He was a key part of the Cairns Marlins during their golden era in the early ’00s.
Jacob Pilot
Pilot, a 180cm (5ft 11in) guard, was known for his quickness and court vision during his time with the Cairns Marlins. He excelled at influencing both ends of the floor and formed a dynamic back-court with Marlins legend Curt Ahwang. Later in his career he suited up for the Phoenix Basketball Club, contesting the FNQ Super League Grand Final. Pilot was also selected for the Apunipima Australian Indigenous Basketball All Stars, representing top Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander talent in the annual trans-Tasman Basketball Clash against the New Zealand Maori National Team.
Jaylen Pitman
A rising star of the Far North, Pitman is a 19-year-old slashing guard with impressive handling. The 183cm (6ft 0in) playmaker made 16 appearances for the Marlins in 2024 along with representing Queensland at the U20 National Championships.
Kane Runnalls
Runnalls is a natural talent, who last played for the Townsville Heat in the NBL1. The 208cm (6ft 9in) forward can impose his will on any game on both ends of the floor. The 20-year old has represented Queensland North in various national championships, including the U18 division, where he played alongside fellow Cairns athletes Jaylen Pitman and Jaylon Beecroft.
Ryan Runnalls
Runnalls, 203cm tall, became the Marlins youngest ever starter in 2016 as the only 16-year-old at the time to have appearedat QBL level. A year earlier, was selected as an emergency for the Australian U17 men’s team for the FIBA Oceania Championships.
James Comino
Born and raised in Cairns, Comino rose through the ranks of Cairns basketball as a dangerous guard. He made his NBL debut with the Cairns Taipans at 21 years of age in the 2009-10 season, while also representing the Marlins as a versatile scorer.
Ely Simmons
Simmons, 24, is a centre who has been a key part of the Cairns Marlins. Standing tall and commanding the paint, Simmons excels at anchoring the team’s defence with his shot-blocking ability and physical presence. His rebounding skills and knack for finding open teammates in transition make him a well-rounded asset on both ends of the floor.
Ky Stattmann
Stattmann, 21, is a 193cm (6ft 4in) guard from Cairns who has made his mark with the Cairns Marlins. Known for his impressive scoring touch, he delivered a standout 52-point performance against the Ipswich Force, showing his offensive firepower. Stattmann combines smooth perimeter shooting with an ability to attack the basket, making him a constant threat on the court.
Marshall Ware
The former forward for the Cairns Marlins brought energy and impact to both offence and defence. Ware thrived on hustle plays, whether diving for loose balls or grabbing second-chance rebounds to extend possessions. His versatility enabled him to guard multiple positions.
Kris Whelan
The Marlins guard from the 2000s was valued for his intelligence and leadership on the court. A steady ball-handler and facilitator, he excels at reading defences and setting up teammates for high-percentage shots.
Tyson Clarke
A 193cm (6ft 4in) swingman from Cairns, played collegiate basketball at Viterbo University in the United States as well as the Southwest Minnesota State University, showcasing his versatility and athleticism. A member of the 2000-01 Mustangs basketball team which won the school’s first conference championship in men’s basketball and also won the NCAA North Central Region Tournament to advance to the NCAA Elite Eight.
He demonstrated a well-rounded skill set throughout his time overseas before later returning to Australia.
Special thanks to Mike Scott for his help in putting the list together. We’re sure we have missed a number of names. Please let us know who we’ve left out at gyan-reece.rocha@news.com.au
More Coverage
Originally published as From current players to legends of the game, the top 40 best basketballers since 2000
Live stream: Rising Queensland athletics talents set to shine
Young athletes eyeing the 2032 Brisbane Olympic Games are ready to showcase their skills at the Queensland Little Athletics State Championships. See how to watch it LIVE on March 22-23.
Qld’s best rugby rookies aged 17-20 glimpsed in elite Reds teams
The Queensland Reds will usher in more than 40 of their finest young guns for battle against the Waratahs on Saturday. Read an insight into the teen talent lining up in the U18s and U20s teams here.