Taipans consider NBL’s Next Stars option

The Cairns Taipans could become the latest club to add an exciting young American talent through the NBL’s Next Stars program.

Taipan's coach Mike Kelly during the Round 16 NBL match between the Illawarra Hawks and the Cairns Taipans at the WIN Entertainment Centre in Wollongong, Monday, February 4, 2019. (AAP Image/Dean Lewins)

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Cairns could become the latest club to add an exciting young American talent through the NBL’s Next Stars program.

Several clubs in Australia and New Zealand picked up emerging prospects through the program, including Terry Armstrong (South East Melbourne Phoenix), R.J. Hampton (Breakers), LaMelo Ball (Illawarra) and Marcos Louzada Silva (Sydney).

Far North hoops prodigy Tamuri Wigness was mooted as a Next Stars signing with Brisbane, before the NBL stepped in and said it was highly unlikely the point guard would be considered for the program.

Snakes coach Mike Kelly is hopeful an NBL Next Star could be in orange this season.

“Possibly, we have been looking at every option,” Kelly said.

“I like how we have been patient and not jumped in on opportunities that may not help the group that is here.

CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA — JANUARY 21: Coach Mike Kelly of the Taipans talks to his players at the quarter time break during the round 14 NBL match between the Cairns Taipans and the New Zealand Breakers at the Cairns Convention Centre on January 21, 2019 in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by Bradley Kanaris/Getty Images)

“It is about getting better and good as a squad, and not just getting a big name.

“It is a possibility.”

While Kelly likes Wigness’ game, the teenager will not be a Taipan in the coming season.

“Tamuri is a great young player and has been really good in training with us over Christmas, as well as the last week,” Kelly said.

“I have not spoken to him at all about coming to be a Taipan this year, he is just a great guy who is in this community already.”

Kelly said shooting guard DJ Newbill was a chance to return for a second season in Cairns.

The Far North NBL club has Cameron Oliver, Scott Machado, Majok Deng, Mirko Djeric, Fabijan Krslovic, Tom Jervis, Kouat Noi and Jarrod Kenny signed for the 2019-20 season, with Australian Boomer Nate Jawai about to join them.

Originally published as Taipans consider NBL’s Next Stars option