NBL: Cairns Taipans lock in Tahjere McCall as third import

The Cairns Taipans have announced a G League championship winner as their third import for the upcoming NBL season.

HE is an experienced two-way player and proven winner who may totally change the way the Cairns Taipans plan to play in NBL21, but it could be his demeanour away from the bright lights of competition which proves the biggest value of Cairns Taipans import signing, Tahjere McCall.

New Cairns coach Adam Forde’s recruits have regularly had a similar focus on that off-court character.

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They might be good basketballers, but they have to be good people. And in their third import, McCall, they might have the best of both worlds.

The 26-year-old won the G League Championship with the Lakeland Magic in March and is currently preparing for the 2021 NBA Summer League with the Orlando Magic.

He has been described as the “ultimate competitor”, proven by an insatiable desire to be better.

But character and attitude are big things in Forde’s Taipans, and by all reports, McCall ticks every box.

“Honestly, I’m the same (off the court),” McCall said.

“I like joking, I like laughing, making everyone feel comfortable.

“I feel like you work your best when everyone is comfortable being around everyone, and being themselves. Off the court, I’m going to try to make you smile, I like playing games … events where you interact with people and enjoy your time.”

That could very well come in handy at a community club like the Taipans, but the defensive-minded shooting guard has proved he can do the same on the court.

“He’s athletic, he can score, he’ll be able to take on some of the ball-carrying weight but most importantly he is going to be that defensive weapon that we need,” Forde said.

“He’s got great character – he’s articulate, well-mannered, ambitious and has a solid reputation.”

McCall is the second new signing for Forde after Keanu Pinder, and is the result of a search which started with a clear target for the best defensive players in the world.

“One of the things we wanted to do was really highlight bringing in a defensive-minded combo guard who can not only get it done of the defensive end but can score, and create ways to score,” Forde said.

“What was cool with Tahj was, there were a bunch of guys I reached out who I know from being involved in the NBL and G-League from other teams, and said I need a guy who could defend and score, and I need a competitor – the guy who will bring the energy and attitude … one consistent name was Tahj.

“He’s coming off a great year with Lakeland – they won a championship, so he’s bringing that winning mindset, and he as All-Defensive team, but the great thing with that is it’s not just a flash in the pan; Tahj’s whole career has been that.”

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During the shortened 2021 season, McCall averaged 11.9 points, 7.4 rebounds and 3.3 assists for the Orlando-affiliate and was named to the G League’s All-Defensive team.

McCall came with a glowing reference from former Sydney Kings coach Will Weaver, who coached the 193cm guard at the Long Island Nets.

He is the final major piece on the Taipans’ roster, with new head coach Adam Forde making his biggest stamp on the team with the McCall acquisition.

“This off-season, our recruitment strategy was to bring back the core group of players and add in complementary pieces, and that is Tahjere McCall,” Forde said.

“He’s athletic, he can score, he’ll be able to take on some of the ball-carrying weight but most importantly he is going to be that defensive weapon that we need.

“He’s got great character – he’s articulate, well-mannered, ambitious and has a solid reputation. [Former NBL Coach] Will Weaver coached him at Long Island and attested to the fact that he is the ultimate competitor.

“He’s obviously just won a Championship but by all accounts, he’s a winner and will bring that winning mindset.”

McCall joins Scott Machado, Cam Oliver, Nathan Jawai, Majok Deng, Mirko Djeric, Kouat Noi, Jordan Ngatai, Jarrod Kenny and Pinder on the roster with one local spot left.

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Originally published as NBL: Cairns Taipans lock in Tahjere McCall as third import