NBL Taipans: Waardenburg Re-signs

Big Sam is back for the Orange Army for his third season in 2024-25 season after agreeing to a new one-year contract.

Sam Waardenburg of the Taipans drives up court during the round 20 NBL match between Cairns Taipans and Melbourne United at Cairns Convention Centre, on February 16, 2024, in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by Emily Barker/Getty Images)

Sam Waardenburg is returning for his third season with the Orange Army in the 2024-25 season after agreeing to a new one-year contract. The 208cm (6ft 10in) forward, recruited by the Taipans from the University of Miami on a two-year deal back in June 2022 and has extended his tenure for a third season.

Waardenburg said he was delighted to suit up in the number 21 jersey in Cairns for another season.

“Super excited (to be back), coaching staff and front office have trust in me,” he said.

“I just want to get us back to the playoffs again.

“Already you can see Forde and the front office are doing a lot of work to get us back to that level.

“(In the off-season) shooting is one part I have been focusing on. I want to be a knockdown shooter on the court because that will open up different dynamics of my game.”

Sam Waardenburg of the Taipans in action during the round 20 NBL match between Cairns Taipans and Melbourne United at Cairns Convention Centre, on February 16, 2024, in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by Emily Barker/Getty Images)

Waardenburg was a top priority when initially signed by the club out of college. He averaged 11.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and shot 53 per cent from the field in his debut season and winning the NBL’s inaugural Next Generation Award (which replaced the league’s Rookie of the Year honour).

Combining a high basketball IQ with an impressive skill set, the New Zealand-native is a dynamic weapon Taipans coach Adam Forde continues to rely on.

He has impressive footwork and quality decision-making that allows him to make plays on the move.

The 25-year-old struggled with injury throughout his 2023-24 campaign, missing five games but still managed 9.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and improving to 1.8 assists. He also impressed on the NBA floor with 15 points against the Toronto Raptors during their pre-season trip to North America.

Sam Waardenburg slam dunks the ball in the National Basketball League (NBL) match between the Cairns Taipans and the Illawarra Hawks, held at the Cairns Convention Centre. Picture: Brendan Radke

Forde said that Waardenburg and the club agreed to an extension during the 2023 NBA Summer League early last year revealing a long-term commitment from both parties. With the contract finalised ahead of the free agency period next week, Forde said Waardenburg will be a core player in his new roster.

“He sees the game at such an elite level,” Forde said.

“To have a stretch big making plays like a point guard allows us to add and explore unique opportunities on the floor.

“There were obviously a lot of ups and downs last season, but Sam provided stable leadership in the locker room. That will only develop and grow, and we expect him to continue to lead the team both on and off the court.”

Forde said there were a number of ‘exciting prospects’ at the power forward position that the Taipans will look to chase when free agency begins on April 15.

Originally published as NBL Taipans: Waardenburg Re-signs