NBL: ‘Big brother bully’ approach boosts Taipans big man

Taipans superstar Rob Edwards has quickly established himself as a fierce motivator for rising Taipans teammate Akoldah “AK” Gak, playing the role of a big brother with a tough-love approach.

Akoldah Gak of the Taipans rebounds the ball during the round three NBL match between Melbourne United and Cairns Taipans at John Cain Arena. Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Taipans superstar Rob Edwards has quickly established himself as a fierce motivator for rising Taipans teammate Akoldah “AK” Gak, playing the role of a big brother with a tough-love approach.

Since the Detroit deadeye’s arrival at the Taipans, Edwards has taken it upon himself to push the young big man to unlock his full potential — through what can only be described by Taipans head coach Adam Forde as “big brother bullying”.

“Rob (had a hand) in making AK level up, he bullied him into submission and he has activated another level for (Gak),” Forde.

“It’s less of a mentor role and more of a big brother bullying him into better basketball.”

Rob Edwards of the Taipans drives to the basket during the round three NBL match between Melbourne United and Cairns Taipans at John Cain Arena. (Photo by Daniel Pockett/Getty Images)

Akoldah Gak of the Taipans goes to the basket during the round four NBL match between Cairns Taipans and Perth Wildcats at Cairns Convention Centre. (Photo by Emily Barker/Getty Images)

The approach seems to be working with Gak putting together a strong week at the fish tank ahead of a face off against his former side – the Illawarra Hawks – this Saturday night at the Cairns Convention Centre.

Gak – who spent the 2022 NBA Summer League with the Chicago Bulls and suited up for the Wildcats on 25 occasions – has shown flashes of brilliance in NBL25 but still struggles with consistency.

The 22-year old had nine points, 10 rebounds (five offensive rebounds), a block and steal against the Wildcats, before making his first start of the season in the 26-point loss to the Sydney Kings last Saturday, notching eight points from 36 per cent FG and six rebounds.

“(Gak) has just got to start stringing consistency together, he has good games then he has bad games. We’ve challenged AK, as Rob has, to start (making that leap),” Forde added.

Edwards sees it, too, and is doing his part to get the most out of his younger teammate.

Akoldah Gak of the Taipans catches the rebound during the round 15 NBL match between Cairns Taipans and Adelaide 36ers at Cairns Convention Centre. (Photo by Emily Barker/Getty Images)

Never one to shy away from a challenge, he has made it clear that he sees a lot in Gak.

“I got a lot of faith in AK,” Edwards said.

“I try to motivate him so he can keep his confidence so he can be that next level player. I see all the Next Stars (of the NBL). I feel like AK is one of those Next Stars. He’s got a lot of potential. I like seeing him play hard on defence, getting blocks, rebounds and doing the things he’s capable of. I feel like he can tap into a whole new level.”

Tanner Groves of the Taipans drives up court during the round three NBL match between Cairns Taipans and Tasmania Jackjumpers at Cairns Convention Centre, on October 04, 2024, in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by Emily Barker/Getty Images)

Edwards said his ability to play above the rim; blocking shots and catching lobs is his biggest threat to the rest of the NBL.

Standing at 210cm (6ft 11 inch) and with a 218cm (7ft 2 inch) wingspan, Gak can guard multiple positions but it all comes down to consistency for the versatile big man.

With Taipans import big Tanner Groves out injured (calf), the explosive Taipan with immense potential has another opportunity to make a mark on the side this weekend.

Originally published as NBL: ‘Big brother bully’ approach boosts Taipans big man