NBL Taipans: The dream back-court ready to cause nightmares

When Tahjere McCall recommended Patrick Miller to the Cairns Taipans front office last season, he had an ambitious dream in mind. A dream that looks set to become reality this Thursday night.

Creating a dream back-court in basketball is all about assembling a dynamic duo of guards who complement each other’s skills and can dominate both ends of the court.

Tahjere McCall had this vision in mind when he recommended Patrick Miller to the Taipans’ organisation and after a run of setbacks, Taipans are ready to unleash their deadly duo this Thursday against Perth Wildcats.

Taipans' Tahjere McCall in the NBL semi final match between the Cairns Taipans and the Sydney Kings, held at the Cairns Convention Centre. Photo: Brendan Radke

McCall said he was excited to finally be able to suit up with his ‘brother’.

“I knew he would be a home run,” McCall said.

“Our chemistry (will get the best out of each other).

“We don’t care who gets the credit, who’s shining, it’s about winning, having fun and making each other happy.

“That’s the good thing about playing with your brother, you take yourself outside of what’s going on and you just want the best for your brother.

“That’s why I’m so excited and I can’t wait to (continue to) build the chemistry, by the end of the year, I’m willing to bet it’s going to be good for us.”

CAIRNS, AUSTRALIA - NOVEMBER 11: Taipans Tahjere McCall and Patrick Miller are seen after the round seven NBL match between Cairns Taipans and Illawarra Hawks at Cairns Convention Centre, on November 11, 2023, in Cairns, Australia. (Photo by Emily Barker/Getty Images)

The Chicago native arrived in Far North Queensland after playing for Brose Bamberg in the German Basketball Bundesliga.

Prior to his numerous overseas stints, he completed his collegiate career at Tennessee State, just one year before Tahjere McCall suited up for the Tigers.

While Miller and McCall both possess experience, tenacious defence, high IQ and a strong mentality.

They will each contribute unique qualities and provide different dimensions that can propel this Taipans’ squad to a new level.

WOLLONGONG, AUSTRALIA - OCTOBER 26: Patrick Miller of the Taipans looks on during the round five NBL match between Illawarra Hawks and Cairns Taipans at WIN Entertainment Centre, on October 26, 2023, in Wollongong, Australia. (Photo by Mark Kolbe/Getty Images)

Defensively, McCall’s ability to guard multiple positions will complement Miller’s offensive prowess, with his ability to space the floor with his three-point shot as well as his capability to knock down clutch shots and close out games.

McCall believes their combination of skills will be a danger to the NBL.

“We both can play without the ball and we’re happy to give up our shot for the next shot,” he said.

“I think it’s going to be beautiful.

“I trust Pat to close out games just as much as I trust myself,”

Miller, 31, and McCall, 29, are strong leaders in the locker room, willing to put the team’s success above their personal accomplishments.

They know each other’s playing styles and tendencies extremely well, which will allow them to anticipate and make split-second decisions in high-pressure situations.

Tahjere McCall, Ellie Dowie-Ward, 12, Lawson Venters, 17, and Patrick Miller at the Cairns Taipans' annual fan day, held at Tobruk Memorial Pool. Picture: Brendan Radke

Despite Miller becoming an early-MVP candidate before injury (averaging 18.2 points and 5.8 assists per game), McCall believes he hasn’t reached his potential.

“His stats are good, but he’s such a great player that he’s capable of even more,” McCall said.

“That’s our relationship, we push each other to do more, even when we think we’ve done enough.

“He’s not how he looks, he’s strong and he looks scary sometimes because of his muscles, but he’s such a good guy.

“He’s always laughing, bringing energy and is so humble, it pushes you to be even better.”

The Philadelphia-born guard said he is glad the calvary has arrived after all the recent ins and outs and hopes the band can stay together injury-free.

Originally published as NBL Taipans: The dream back-court ready to cause nightmares