Taipans Off Season Thread 08/09

[oziwi]

Intresting comment in todays Cairns Post by Greg Punshon."Look hard,look long,look ahead" Very very well written and I for one agree with everything he says.
I cant work out a way to give a link or copy it to here but someone else may be able to.

[GordonG]

It's not on the Cairns Post website, so you won't be able to post a link to it.

[Snake77]

GordonG (or anyone else who might know).

What's our team look like for next year? Who has signed / off contract?

I presume that players already signed for next year are:

Black, Mee, Boods, Abney & Jawai.

When are they all signed til?

[geespots]

it is time this team got some youth . keep cook & vale, both did more than expected by everyone, smith - who cares, coach black should be replaced by fearne.

[GordonG]

From today's Cairns Post:

http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2008/0 ... -news.html (http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2008/02/27/1809_local-sport-news.html)

[icarus]

Now that the dust has settled I will share a few of the rumours I have heard.

1. Abney is pissed and wants out (heard here before)
2. S. Black & D. Mee had a dust-up in the carpark after the NZ game
3. Cat won't be resigned

I have no proof of any of these, but thought they were interesting nonetheless.

[snakey]

I have heard quite a few times that Mee and Stephen Black don't get along with each other. However I really hope that we sign Cattalini again for another season, he still has it in him and I was also told from someone that knows him and his wife, that he wants to play here until he retires. I hope Abney stays, he always puts in a good effort. Boody and Grabau can go. I would love to see Newson stay.

I am sure that we will soon hear who is staying and leaving.

[Sherlock]

I have heard quite a few times that Mee and Stephen Black don't get along with each other. However I really hope that we sign Cattalini again for another season, he still has it in him and I was also told from someone that knows him and his wife, that he wants to play here until he retires. I hope Abney stays, he always puts in a good effort. Boody and Grabau can go. I would love to see Newson stay.

I am sure that we will soon hear who is staying and leaving.

If Abney wants out, let him leave ...

you don't want guys playing there if they're sooking about wanting to elsewhere ... I don't think you're going to win a championship with Abney in your rotation anyway ... the guy's a close to the basket finisher ... with a flamboyant hand gesture when he dunks ... nothing more

[whupass]

I have heard quite a few times that Mee and Stephen Black don't get along with each other. However I really hope that we sign Cattalini again for another season, he still has it in him and I was also told from someone that knows him and his wife, that he wants to play here until he retires. I hope Abney stays, he always puts in a good effort. Boody and Grabau can go. I would love to see Newson stay.

I am sure that we will soon hear who is staying and leaving.

If Abney wants out, let him leave ...

you don't want guys playing there if they're sooking about wanting to elsewhere ... I don't think you're going to win a championship with Abney in your rotation anyway ... the guy's a close to the basket finisher ... with a flamboyant hand gesture when he dunks ... nothing more

Here, here, the most overated, overpaid show pony in the NBL at present. I say let him go, can you help pack his bags and escort him to the airport just to makle sure???

[Dunkin' Dan]

I hope Abney stays, he always puts in a good effort.
I would have thought that one of Abney's main negatives was his apparent lack of effort at times. He seems very inconsistent to me.

[curious]

No Grabau either.

[Sherlock]

No Grabau either.

that whats happening of what you think should happen ?

[curious]

Last I heard a while ago.
Gone.

[Kurupt]

my understanding and i am sure it was stated at the start of the finals is that Grabau is signed for next year making him still the only existing player and celebrating 10 years with the club

[GordonG]

my understanding and i am sure it was stated at the start of the finals is that Grabau is signed for next year making him still the only existing player and celebrating 10 years with the club

Aaron said at the press conference marking the launch of the 10-year logo (that one on the left) that he was looking forward to playing a part in the 10th season, or something along those lines (I take pictures, I don't record what is said).

Also Catt's pic has been used on the front of the new membership brochure - doubt we would do that if he's not going to be there.

[snakey]

I just say that Abney puts in a good effort, because he was usually always one of our top scorers in every game throughout the season.

I would like to see Smith and Boody gone, I also don't like Grabau much and would like to see the back of him. Jawai annoys me a bit, but if he matures a bit more and stops cracking the sads everytime things don't go his way, he would actually be alright.

[Kurupt]

snakey your always whingin bout Grabau, whats your drama with him?

[snakey]

snakey your always whingin bout Grabau, whats your drama with him?

I don't like him on or off the court....

[boz_novocastrian]

cat and grabau are paramount to the taipans but would actually have them come off the bench. cat as the scoring punch and grabau as the defensive punch off the bench..

bods gone. matt smith i would keep a hold of as a backup 4/5

darnell mee unsure maybe he needs to play a bit of aba ball for the marlins to get into game shape

[Kurupt]

snakey your always whingin bout Grabau, whats your drama with him?

I don't like him on or off the court....

you must be one of the only people in the world cause I know him very well and he is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet and on the court one guy you can depend on to give you 1000% everytime he steps on it

[snakey]

snakey your always whingin bout Grabau, whats your drama with him?

I don't like him on or off the court....

you must be one of the only people in the world cause I know him very well and he is one of the nicest guys you will ever meet and on the court one guy you can depend on to give you 1000% everytime he steps on it

Look, I understand you know him and like him and support him on the court. I have met him quite a few times and have just never liked him. But you are entitled to your opinion and I respect that and I would hope you would do the same for me.

[curious]

my understanding and i am sure it was stated at the start of the finals is that Grabau is signed for next year making him still the only existing player and celebrating 10 years with the club
Happy to accept that. I have heqard from 2 different people with no connections to each other that he wanted out. (One in fact was from Cairns.)

[irukandji]

I pretty sure he doesn't want to go anywhere. He's married to a Cairns girl with whom he has 3 kids and seems pretty settled here. I'm with you Kurupt, one of the nicest blokes you will ever meet and loves his basketball. he's played all year round for the last 8 years.

[coast2coast]

Apparently Blackie has had a punch up with a couple of players and that is a part of the inability of the team to come together. Must be hard being the coachs son and playing a key role. Key changes need to be made in order to have this team gel. Either Blackie goes (can't see that happening) or a couple of other key players will be shown the door. Clearly this team has problems and few, outside the loyal Snakes supporters, expected Cairns to progress in the post season.

[Kurupt]

my understanding and i am sure it was stated at the start of the finals is that Grabau is signed for next year making him still the only existing player and celebrating 10 years with the club
Happy to accept that. I have heqard from 2 different people with no connections to each other that he wanted out. (One in fact was from Cairns.)

I had heard last year, maybe before the season (i think) that he may have asked for a release from his contract because he was offered double the $$$ from either Adelaide or Townsville.

[curious]

Either Blackie goes (can't see that happening) or a couple of other key players will be shown the door.
Mee might be one of them.

[Brew]

I'll happily take Blackie over Mee.

[GordonG]

Catt and Grabau should not have appeared on the Free Agents list, according to today's Cairns Post. Both were already signed for next season.

The correct list is:

Contracted: Gary Boodnikoff, Larry Abney, Stephen Black, Martin Cattalini, Aaron Grabau, Nathan Jawai, Darnell Mee.

Free Agents: Scott Cook, Jared Newson, Matt Smith, Rashad Tucker, Dwayne Vale.

[Shaq]

You'll be very lucky if you have Jawai next year, so I wouldn't bank on him being the crux of your 08/09 campaign.

[GordonG]

You'll be very lucky if you have Jawai next year, so I wouldn't bank on him being the crux of your 08/09 campaign.

He's still under contract to us, and the only getout clause is for the NBA as far as I know, so we'll just have to wait and see. Who knows, he may decide to do another season in Oz.

[kimmy]

When is the Snakes presentation night. Who is expectd to take all of the awards in a very ordinary year.

[Shaq]

You'll be very lucky if you have Jawai next year, so I wouldn't bank on him being the crux of your 08/09 campaign.

He's still under contract to us, and the only getout clause is for the NBA as far as I know, so we'll just have to wait and see. Who knows, he may decide to do another season in Oz.

I was talking about if he gets drafted, if he goes late 1st round or early 2nd, he'll go over to the NBA.

[snakey]

While I think it would be awesome and a great thing for Jawai to make it to the NBA, I really don't think that he will make it. They may take him to summer camp, but I really don't think he is ready enough at this stage to stay and play NBA.

He was great for the Taipans this season, a little immature at times, very bad tempered, but that is all stuff he can work on and will improve the more he plays. Most nights he was awesome, but whenever he was faced with Anstey or Rogers, two guys who are a lot more experienced than he is, he just couldn't stick with them and couldn't handle them. How is he going to compete with the likes of the NBA players over in the US or even a really great college player?

[glockers]

While I think it would be awesome and a great thing for Jawai to make it to the NBA, I really don't think that he will make it. They may take him to summer camp, but I really don't think he is ready enough at this stage to stay and play NBA.

He was great for the Taipans this season, a little immature at times, very bad tempered, but that is all stuff he can work on and will improve the more he plays. Most nights he was awesome, but whenever he was faced with Anstey or Rogers, two guys who are a lot more experienced than he is, he just couldn't stick with them and couldn't handle them. How is he going to compete with the likes of the NBA players over in the US or even a really great college player?

You have to remember Jawai has only ever had to handle the likes of Michael Kingma and Colin Oriard before this NBL season.

Secondly he was injured most of the ABA season and was only finding his legs when the NBL season started. He didn't have an uninterrupted year. I reckon a full healthy off season and he will be much better.

Thirdly NBA teams love potential and Nathan's skill set, size and speed will be enough to impress any NBA coach. I can easily see him sitting on the bench. It will do him much better training every day against an NBA starter and getting scrap minutes than playing in the NBL.

[Twinkletoes]

I tend to agree with Glockers here although I do feel, like Snakey, that Jawai has a bit of an attitude problem and I think that is going to be his greatest challenge if he goes to the NBA. He won’t be king of the castle over there and will have to work hard and accept setbacks, otherwise he won’t last long.

I would actually prefer it if he went this year as I feel he can be a bit of a distraction at times and if he doesn’t go this year he is likely to go next year anyway.

As for the rest of the team, it seems as if we are going to have a similar team to last year, unless we get rid of some of the already contracted players and it doesn’t surprise me that there are stories on here about people not getting along with each other, as the team chemistry this season has been nowhere near the level it was last season.

The rumour that Abney wants out doesn’t completely surprise me, although I thought that he played very well towards the end of the season which would seem to indicate that he wasn’t all that pissed off. He gets less court time here than he did in Townsville and that may not be to his liking as he was used to being the main big man in Townsville.

Oziwi started this thread after reading Greg Punshon’s article in the Cairns. Although I agreed with the main sentiment of the article (look long and hard, etc. at what changes need to be made) I don’t totally agree with what he said. He pointed the finger at a few particular players (Mee, Abney, Newson and I think Boodnikoff) and claimed something to the effect that they did not have the intestinal fortitude or the ability to deliver the goods when it counted.

Given that Mee was the player of the finals for the Taipans in 2006\07 and hardly played this season due to injury, I felt putting him in that category was ridiculous and I also felt that pointing the finger at those particular players and basically claiming they were the whole problem, was a rather simple assessment of the situation.

Punshon mentioned that Black and Jawai were great, which is fair enough, but nothing was said about the coach or the obvious chemistry issues within the team. Stephen Black may well have had a great season overall but it’s not much good if he is the source of some discontent in the team and Jawai’s attitude wasn’t the greatest as the season wore on.

Where the coach is concerned, I feel that some of the responsibility for the teams performance rests with him, but he has to be given a fair amount of credit for saying that he may well have to re-invent himself as a coach and look at new ways of doing things.

[geespots]

after all the talk about bad blood in the team, should one or both blacks be given the boot or should the coach look for young blood 2 bred life back into the team

[havrilla the gorilla]

The Cairns taipans team looked great on paper before the start of the season, and I thought top two for sure. I know they had their injuries, but a lot of teams did also.

It goes to show a team of champions doesn't make a champion team. It reminds me of the Bullets team of 05/06 when Bradtke, Mackinnon and Copeland came up to join Black, Rucker, Egan and Brannen etc
A really disapointing year but sometimes teams just don't gel.

Heard from an insider a lot of the Bullets players found Black very selfish and looking for his own shot for much of the time, so not surprised at all he has clashed with the likes of Mee.

Where to from here? Don't think huge changes are needed but they need to figure out something. Brisbane made the tough call after the above season I touched on by showing Rucker the door. Maybe Mee needs to go. You will certainly get more mileage out of Blackie I would think despite the bad leg, bad back and the fact he needs to ice after every training session and every game. Other than that i'm sure he has years left.

[LilWal]

Heard from an insider a lot of the Bullets players found Black very selfish and looking for his own shot for much of the time, so not surprised at all he has clashed with the likes of Mee.

Yeah good call except Black is a shooting guard, not a point!! he should of been on the end of the pass not creating it.

[GordonG]

When is the Snakes presentation night. Who is expectd to take all of the awards in a very ordinary year.

Starry Starry Night is March 28th. No idea on the awards.

[boz_novocastrian]

Catt and Grabau should not have appeared on the Free Agents list, according to today's Cairns Post. Both were already signed for next season.

The correct list is:

Contracted: Gary Boodnikoff, Larry Abney, Stephen Black, Martin Cattalini, Aaron Grabau, Nathan Jawai, Darnell Mee.

Free Agents: Scott Cook, Jared Newson, Matt Smith, Rashad Tucker, Dwayne Vale.

as cook turned 25 during the season just finished to stay with the pans would he have to be offered a full time contract (top 10) or can they get away with calling him a dp for another season as he wont be 26 until mid 2008/09 season

with vale only coming up 23 in a few months he could be signed back up as a dp, but would he take such a role

[icarus]

as cook turned 25 during the season just finished to stay with the pans would he have to be offered a full time contract (top 10) or can they get away with calling him a dp for another season as he wont be 26 until mid 2008/09 season

Eh? :???: Cook was already on the roster proper this year.

with vale only coming up 23 in a few months he could be signed back up as a dp, but would he take such a role

I thought there was also rules about how many minutes one could play and still be a Dev. Player. Surely with his elevation to the full squad and subsequent boost in minutes, Vale wouldn't be eligible as a Dev. Player any longer.

[pj]

Heard from an insider a lot of the Bullets players found Black very selfish and looking for his own shot for much of the time, so not surprised at all he has clashed with the likes of Mee.

Yeah good call except Black is a shooting guard, not a point!! he should of been on the end of the pass not creating it.

He's been groomed all junior years to be a point guard who is a terrific shooter.
(Grace's replacement if things had gone well)
Not sure why he changed.

[odie]

Aaron Grabau is a great guy and a really hard worker. I played juniors with him at Dandenong for 3 years and he deserves to be in an NBL team. Although he works really hard, he lacks something at NBL level. I can't put my finger on it, but I think it could be his composure that hurts him. He panics when he's under any sort of pressure.

I will say this though, having played with both Frank Drmic and Grabau, Grabau is both a much better player and a much better person..

[coast2coast]

Aaron Grabau is a great guy and a really hard worker. I played juniors with him at Dandenong for 3 years and he deserves to be in an NBL team. Although he works really hard, he lacks something at NBL level. I can't put my finger on it, but I think it could be his composure that hurts him. He panics when he's under any sort of pressure.

I will say this though, having played with both Frank Drmic and Grabau, Grabau is both a much better player and a much better person..

Grabau is a great role player. Good defensively but perhaps not a starter on a championship calibre team. Not his fault the Snakes stank it up this season.

[snakey]

I heard from a really good source the other day that Darnell Mee is trying very very hard to get out of his contract. Apparently they are close to letting him go aswell. I say let him go, sure he is great on D, but he isn't the best and now he is injury prone and getting older, I don't know how much of an asset he would be. We could pick up two good Aussie's for what he gets paid.

[isaac]

Abney moving on as well.

[coast2coast]

Abney moving on as well.

So, apart from Mee and Abney, did anyone else have a knuckle-up with Black?

[snakey]

They are letting Abney out of his contract aswell? Why is he going? Is it because he doesn't get on with the other players or is it that he doens't want to take a pay cut or tha he doesn't like it here?

Darnell wants to go back to either Adelaide or Wollongong, I don't know why he didn't stay down in Wollongong.

[isaac]

Heard issues re Abney and Black.

[snakey]

Is Black going to cost us the whole team? Are we going to build a team around him and keep him happy?

[Cussy]

Maybe these "professionals" like Abney and Mee should stop bitching about whoever they choose to and start playing at a level to match the dollars they are earning.

[Brew]

exactly. Stephen Black isn't going to cost us the team, Darnell Mee is way past his prime anyways plus who knows how many games he can play next year after what happened to the one just passed.

Regarding Abney, did he have a spat with Alan or Stephen? Im presuming Alan, because having watched most of the home games for the Taipans i saw Black/Abney and Black/Jawai having the most chemistry together and they seem to have fun firing each other up. If he goes though he is replaceable, and probably with a player costing cheaper anyways.

[snakey]

I totally agree that Mee and Abney should start playing better ball and start earning their money. I think that Mee wants to leave for a couple of reasons, 1. he isn't the big star here 2. he was asked to take a pay cut, he thinks that he is still worth $150,000. I def don't think he is worth that much. I really think its best to let Mee go and if Abney don't want to be here, then there is no sense is making him stay.

[havrilla the gorilla]

Which Black shaped up in the biff? Surely not Stephen...the guy is 60kg wet! :lol:

[coast2coast]

I totally agree that Mee and Abney should start playing better ball and start earning their money. I think that Mee wants to leave for a couple of reasons, 1. he isn't the big star here 2. he was asked to take a pay cut, he thinks that he is still worth $150,000. I def don't think he is worth that much. I really think its best to let Mee go and if Abney don't want to be here, then there is no sense is making him stay.

See, this is an issue that crops up all the time and it sucks. Asking someone to take a paycut because the club overpaid in the first place. Hell, the Snakes overpaid more than half the roster now they want to change up a few things and start to make it uncomfortable for people. Don't throw silly money around to start with. It did not work now the club is not happy about it. The threw wads at Abney and are not happy with how it went. They have thrown heaps at Darnell and Cat the last couple of years and are not happy. They paid big money for Boody and are not happy. If Jawai did not come out and have such a stellar season then he would be another in the firing line.

Take your hits with the overpaid contracts, learn your lesson and don't overpay again. Recruit smarter. There is no doubt in the world that Townsville is the model franchise for remaining profitable and they finished the season in a better situation than the Snakes.

Have a look at who makes the decisions to recruit these players and pay the huge dollars! Then ask how many mistakes are we going to allow this person to make!

[LilWal]

I'll stake just about anything, that Wortho will return to Pans for coming season. He wanted to come back last year, but couldn't due to various factors. Door should be wide open for him this year.

[djrod]

return? Am I missing something here?

Abney hates it in Cairns! Can't stand either Black! Most of the brothers hated them too - and so did Brisbane when he was there. Abney will stay to collect the $$$. If someone else offers him the same and Cairn are willing to let him go it will happen - Adelaide is my bet with Ninnis as coach.

The Crocs will take Grabau if you don't want him! He has been on teams beating s since the early 90's - better him being on our team.

[geespots]

who needs a thug like wortho on your team.

[GordonG]

return? Am I missing something here?


The Crocs will take Grabau if you don't want him! He has been on teams beating s since the early 90's - better him being on our team.

You can't have Aaron. And Wortho played for the Taipans Academy many moons ago.

:)

[snakey]

return? Am I missing something here?

Abney hates it in Cairns! Can't stand either Black! Most of the brothers hated them too - and so did Brisbane when he was there. Abney will stay to collect the $$$. If someone else offers him the same and Cairn are willing to let him go it will happen - Adelaide is my bet with Ninnis as coach.

The Crocs will take Grabau if you don't want him! He has been on teams beating s since the early 90's - better him being on our team.

If Abney wants to go, let him go!!!!!

[djrod]

HE WONT ASK TO LEAVE BECAUSE HE IS GUARANTEED (whoops caps lock) big money next season... if they want to get rid of him then they will have to pay his contract out - he wins on both occasions

[geespots]

any word/or comments on who will/or should be signed up for next season

[Kurupt]

what i am hearing is there is a lot of waiting and seeing whats happening going on at the moment...

have also heard that Mee & Abney arent happy campers

[snakey]

what i am hearing is there is a lot of waiting and seeing whats happening going on at the moment...

have also heard that Mee & Abney arent happy campers


Yeah Mee wants to go back to Adelaide or Wollongong, I think he thinks if he goes back to one of those teams he will be 'The Man' again. His wife seems happy to leave now aswell.

SEE YA :D

[Brew]

mmm, wortho would be nice.

Black/Catt/Wortho = imagine the whinging and fighting! :lol:

[geespots]

just saw the news, and the mind games between team mgn & unsigned players has started.

[GordonG]

Dwayne Vale was re-signed by the Taipans on Friday.

[snakey]

So let me get this straight, we are going to have the exact same team next season as we did this season.

Mee, Boody, Grabau, Cattalini, Abney and Black are all contracted next season. Jawai is contracted and will only get out if he gets a gig overseas. Vale has re-signed and Cook and Smith look set to re-sign. So the only change we will have is if Jawai goes overseas.

Another unsuccessful season ahead!!!!! :roll:

[kc4mvp]

They are letting Abney out of his contract aswell? Why is he going? Is it because he doesn't get on with the other players or is it that he doens't want to take a pay cut or tha he doesn't like it here?

Darnell wants to go back to either Adelaide or Wollongong, I don't know why he didn't stay down in Wollongong.

Hes too old for Wollongong

[havrilla the gorilla]

So let me get this straight, we are going to have the exact same team next season as we did this season.

Mee, Boody, Grabau, Cattalini, Abney and Black are all contracted next season. Jawai is contracted and will only get out if he gets a gig overseas. Vale has re-signed and Cook and Smith look set to re-sign. So the only change we will have is if Jawai goes overseas.

Another unsuccessful season ahead!!!!! :roll:


That is very negative. What is your suggestion? A cleanout? Sometimes seasons derail for whatever reason. Another year to gel, work out their combinations and improve as a unit. At the end of the day only one team can win the thing, and I know the Breakers game was a shocker, but maybe it was a one off bad performance. Give it at least one more season before you throw in the towel. Cattalini will have a full season(I don't care what anybody claims, he was underdone and nowhere near 100%) adding to a very formidable squad. I would be thinking top 4 next season for sure.

Jawai has a season under his belt, and I think it's safe to say he will only get better. Black, Mee and Abney and the rest, mixed with young players like Vale and Cook who will improve. Yeah, I feel for you as a Cairns supporter...must be torture to have that lineup for next season.

Feel for a Singapore or Wollongong who are just trying to be consistantly competitve to acheive a finals berth. Or be lucky that you definately have a team on the court next season unlike a Sydney or Brisbane.

You are difficult to please... :?

[snakey]

So let me get this straight, we are going to have the exact same team next season as we did this season.

Mee, Boody, Grabau, Cattalini, Abney and Black are all contracted next season. Jawai is contracted and will only get out if he gets a gig overseas. Vale has re-signed and Cook and Smith look set to re-sign. So the only change we will have is if Jawai goes overseas.

Another unsuccessful season ahead!!!!! :roll:


That is very negative. What is your suggestion? A cleanout? Sometimes seasons derail for whatever reason. Another year to gel, work out their combinations and improve as a unit. At the end of the day only one team can win the thing, and I know the Breakers game was a shocker, but maybe it was a one off bad performance. Give it at least one more season before you throw in the towel. Cattalini will have a full season(I don't care what anybody claims, he was underdone and nowhere near 100%) adding to a very formidable squad. I would be thinking top 4 next season for sure.

Jawai has a season under his belt, and I think it's safe to say he will only get better. Black, Mee and Abney and the rest, mixed with young players like Vale and Cook who will improve. Yeah, I feel for you as a Cairns supporter...must be torture to have that lineup for next season.

Feel for a Singapore or Wollongong who are just trying to be consistantly competitve to acheive a finals berth. Or be lucky that you definately have a team on the court next season unlike a Sydney or Brisbane.

You are difficult to please... :?

Look, I agree we are lucky to have a team in the NBL. I am just thinking along the lines of....we have two players (Mee & Abney) who don't even want to be here next season. So how are they going to play? Mee is injury prone his ankles are shot. Perhaps if he had the off season to rest he might do alright, however with the Boomers coming up and him training with them and maybe playing for them, there is a good chance he will end up injured again, so that is another season with him on the sidelines.

Then there is Boody, the guy who is lucky to have 3 good games a season, you can't say that he just had an off season last season, cause the season before was just as bad. Ever since he got injured in the finals a few seasons ago, he has been terrible. Grabau is apparently still having issues with injuries, so we run the risk of having him on the sidelines a bit during the season.

Don't get me wrong, we still have good players on the team, I am just wondering about the above issues is all. Because it is these issues that cause us problems last season.

[icarus]

Grabau is having surgery on his neck any day now.

[GordonG]

Aaron's surgery was to be April 1.

Boody has had to have one of his ankles rebuilt so he can actually use it. Apparently there was all sorts of bits of junk wandering around in there. Neither player is playing ABA this season so they have a chance to completely recover from their injuries/surgery.

[coast2coast]

Grabau is having surgery on his neck any day now.

Hope they don't need to cut it off..

[icarus]

Word on Aaron is that he's sitting up & feeling fine. I assume he's had a keyhole micro-discectomy which would mean instant relief from any pain/ discomfort, and only a short recovery period.

Get well soon!

[snakey]

With the players ratings revealed and we already know what our team is pretty much going to look like for the next season. I am wondering first of all what is the total points cap for a team? Also, with the team we have already looking like this......

CATTALINI
MEE
ABNEY
BLACK
GRABAU
BOODNIKOFF
VALE
JAWAI (MAYBE)

Wouldn't them alone be close to the total points cap? We still have to sign two more players, whether that is going to be Smith and Cook I don't know. I am just trying to work out how this points cap works.

Also the Taipans were looking or were close to signing Worthington, how would we have fit him in points wise?

[havrilla the gorilla]

Also the Taipans were looking or were close to signing Worthington, how would we have fit him in points wise?

Possibly a contributing factor to him signing with the South Dragons for next season.

[curious]

With the players ratings revealed and we already know what our team is pretty much going to look like for the next season. I am wondering first of all what is the total points cap for a team? Also, with the team we have already looking like this......

CATTALINI
MEE
ABNEY
BLACK
GRABAU
BOODNIKOFF
VALE
JAWAI (MAYBE)
Wouldn't them alone be close to the total points cap? We still have to sign two more players, whether that is going to be Smith and Cook I don't know. I am just trying to work out how this points cap works.
Also the Taipans were looking or were close to signing Worthington, how would we have fit him in points wise?
68 points is the cap.
Internal rationgs haven't been released.
The point the Taipans have available to them depends on who is on coontract or not.
Some players are still contracted and would retain last seasons ratings.

[geespots]

with vale being signed, what is happening with cook, both of which are good young players.

[Snake77]

Heard on the news tonight that the Taipans have apparently signed Scott Cook for next year.

That means we've now got 8 contracted players for next season.

I would assume that would mean one more import and either Jawai or Matt Smith for the 10th spot.

I think they still need to look at a 4/5 for their second import spot. That will leave a relatively small bench, but should give them nice versatility.

If this is the case I hope they make a strong play for Rossell Ellis.

I think Catt needs the freedom of the 3 spot (to be able to play both inside and out). He can't be expected to score and pull down 10+ rbs a game.

I think the lineup will end up something like:

Abney
Import (Maybe Ellis???)
Catt
Black
Mee

Smith / Jawai ????
Grabau
Boods
Vale
Cook

Be interesting to see how it pans out.

[djrod]

Rosell Ellis????????????????

Why don't you just go after Rimas, Ricky Jones, Keiron Mitchelhill & Lucas Agrums while you are there... oh hang on the last 2 did play for you...

[Snake77]

Sorry mate, but last time I looked his name was on the free agents list.

By the way, you also forgot Brad Davidson and Rob Rose.

What can I say, I think we may have a connection. xxx

[coast2coast]

Heard on the news tonight that the Taipans have apparently signed Scott Cook for next year.

That means we've now got 8 contracted players for next season.

I would assume that would mean one more import and either Jawai or Matt Smith for the 10th spot.

I think they still need to look at a 4/5 for their second import spot. That will leave a relatively small bench, but should give them nice versatility.

If this is the case I hope they make a strong play for Rossell Ellis.

I think Catt needs the freedom of the 3 spot (to be able to play both inside and out). He can't be expected to score and pull down 10+ rbs a game.

I think the lineup will end up something like:

Abney
Import (Maybe Ellis???)
Catt
Black
Mee

Smith / Jawai ????
Grabau
Boods
Vale
Cook

Be interesting to see how it pans out.

Love the Cat but has he ever pulled down 10 rebs a game during his NBL career? Don't think so and I would not expect him to do so at this point in time. Snakes are a bit hamstrung with Jawaii cant move forward until they know what is happening.

[snakey]

What is the deal with the Taipans? Every year we have to wait forever to hear about any sort of signings or what. When is the NBA Draft?

[snakey]

Does anybody know anything about whats going on in the Taipans camp? Has Matt Smith signed? Who are the development players? Are we waiting on Jawai before we can sign anyone else?

[Sutty]

Does anybody know anything about whats going on in the Taipans camp? Has Matt Smith signed? Who are the development players? Are we waiting on Jawai before we can sign anyone else?

Matt hasn't been re-signed yet, I haven't got a clue who the Dev Players are and I believe they are waiting on Jawai's sucess in the NBA draft before they decide on who else to sign, so it's a big hurry up and wait at the moment

[angry ant]

Taipans stonger than ever: Keeffe

http://nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=75074

[Earnie Shavers]

I'm glad he didn't mimick his Townsville peer and take shots at teams overspending on their rosters.

[scooterrich]

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/st ... 22,00.html (http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23896867-2722,00.html)

Big story about Nathan Jawai in the Australian today (and no post script about how grim things are in Oz Bball for a change). Sounds fairly likely he will be drafted first round?

[GordonG]

http://www.theaustralian.news.com.au/story/0,25197,23896867-2722,00.html

Big story about Nathan Jawai in the Australian today (and no post script about how grim things are in Oz Bball for a change). Sounds fairly likely he will be drafted first round?

Good story. Feelings up here are that we'd love to see him go to the NBA (who wouldn't?) but really we'd like him back, thanks :?

[GordonG]

Does anybody know anything about whats going on in the Taipans camp? Has Matt Smith signed? Who are the development players? Are we waiting on Jawai before we can sign anyone else?

Yes, no, Kerry Williams is one, and yes. In that order :D

[curious]

So if 1 point Jawai moves on, how many spots and player points do they have left?

[curious]

Latest here on Crosswhite and the Taipans.
http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2008/0 ... -news.html (http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2008/06/24/4894_local-sport-news.html)

[irukandji]

Anyone know where we can get live updates on the draft on Friday? nba.com?

[Nerf Herder]

Latest here on Crosswhite and the Taipans.
http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2008/0 ... -news.html (http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2008/06/24/4894_local-sport-news.html)
heh... I like that pic... caption could be "OOH! CONCUSSION!" :lol:

[Silencer83]

Latest here on Crosswhite and the Taipans.
http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2008/0 ... -news.html (http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2008/06/24/4894_local-sport-news.html)
heh... I like that pic... caption could be "OOH! CONCUSSION!" :lol:

Except for the fact that it's Crosswhite's clear out on PC and not Red :wink: :lol:

More like "So you you think you're good, Huh?" :lol:

[Nerf Herder]

Latest here on Crosswhite and the Taipans.
http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2008/0 ... -news.html (http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2008/06/24/4894_local-sport-news.html)
heh... I like that pic... caption could be "OOH! CONCUSSION!" :lol:

Except for the fact that it's Crosswhite's clear out on PC and not Red :wink: :lol:

More like "So you you think you're good, Huh?" :lol:
I think it's a case of "close enough is obviously good enough" ;)

Crosswhite SMASH! :lol:

[inebriated]

More like..."FOUl?!?!?! Huh?!?!?! Nah...da refs told us this sh$t was OK for us Kings."

BTW - word dis Larry is beaucoup unhappy and lucky he gets the dosh he does. Seems the programme in the Far North compared to the North is far less structured, more 'show up if ya want" and no real fire in the belly. Oh and the "son" aint popular.

Recipe for a ring?

Nah.

[Silencer83]

[quote=curious]Latest here on Crosswhite and the Taipans.
http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2008/0 ... -news.html (http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2008/06/24/4894_local-sport-news.html)
heh... I like that pic... caption could be "OOH! CONCUSSION!" :lol:

Except for the fact that it's Crosswhite's clear out on PC and not Red :wink: :lol:

More like "So you you think you're good, Huh?" :lol:
I think it's a case of "close enough is obviously good enough" ;)

Crosswhite SMASH! :lol:[/quote:8e5moksl]

:lol: I like both of those suggestions

[isaac]

Indiana Pacers draft Nathan Jawai at #41.

[redred]

Sorry if this has already been reported, but i think Dave Thomas has just signed with the Taipans! Nice.. :D

[snakey]

Do you have any reason for saying this? A reliable source? Anything at all?? Why would he leave a club like the Tigers for a club like the Taipans?

[redred]

i have no reliable NBL sources these days, i actually live in Canada where Jawai was just drafted. In an article about the big fella, he mentioned Dave Thomas the Canuck, and mentions that he just recently signed with his old club Cairns. Was Jawai mistaken? Or did i just let out a scoop?? :D

dunno if its true to be honest, its just what i read

[Shannon Noll]

i have no reliable NBL sources these days, i actually live in Canada where Jawai was just drafted. In an article about the big fella, he mentioned Dave Thomas the Canuck, and mentions that he just recently signed with his old club Cairns. Was Jawai mistaken? Or did i just let out a scoop?? :D

dunno if its true to be honest, its just what i read

His old club Cairns? When TF did he play for Cairns? Whatever the case, I doubt DT has signed with Cairns.

[paul]

Nathan Jawai played for Cairns last season!

[Shannon Noll]

Nathan Jawai played for Cairns last season!

DT I was talking about. The message was a bit confusing, but bottom line is that it was suggested that DT was joining Cairns, and the reality is he probably isn't.

[Da Houndawg #55]

Dave Thomas joining Jawai's old team, Cairns.

Not Dave Thomas' old team.

As for whether he will go there, I have no reason to think he won't.

[isaac]

Why would he leave a club like the Tigers for a club like the Taipans?

Because they also pay a lot of money? Why wouldn't he?

[Da Houndawg #55]

I thought the suggestion was there from the Tigers that they were moving on around him when Sam MacKinnon came to town.

[coast2coast]

Crosswhite is a done deal in Cairns. Don't know if it has been confirmed as yet but the Snakes say he is done for the coming season. Nice replacement for Jawaii.

[Da Houndawg #55]

...assuming Jawai's still around.

[GordonG]

Crosswhite confirmed 2/7/08, will wear #11

[GordonG]

Do you have any reason for saying this? A reliable source? Anything at all?? Why would he leave a club like the Tigers for a club like the Taipans?

Thomas has signed on the dotted line and is now a Taipan.

[GordonG]

17th July 2008

MEDIA RELEASE

SKYTRANS CAIRNS TAIPANS RE-SIGN SMITH!

The Skytrans Cairns Taipans have today announced the club has re-signed centre Matt Smith for the upcoming 2008/09 NBL Season.

The signing of Smith effectively brings the Taipans roster to 11 members said Skytrans Cairns Taipans head coach Alan Black;

“Matt has been really good for us over the past couple of seasons. He does the job whenever he gets on the court and is valuable as a big man backup for Crosswhite and Abney. His addition now gives us security in those areas to cover for any injury problems which may occur during the season.”

The final development spot of the Taipans roster is likely to be confirmed over the coming weeks.

[Brew]

So does that mean we are suiting up 11 players every game? is that allowed? and if it is, how did we fit 11 players under the points cap?

[icarus]

I could be wrong, but I think the 11 players includes Kerry Williams (dev. player) who only suits up for home games.

[Brew]

Nope 11 without the devs.

1. Crosswhite
2. Abney
3. Thomas
4. Cattalini
5. Grabau
6. Boodnikoff
7. Vale
8. Cook
9. Black
10. Mee
+
11. Smith

dw, it just came up on the local news Matt Smith is 11th player and wont suit up unless injury rules out one of the bigs.

[snakey]

it just came up on the local news Matt Smith is 11th player and wont suit up unless injury rules out one of the bigs.


THANK GOD!!!!!!!!!!!

[angry ant]

Taipans beat Purdue 116-110

http://www.jconline.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080816/NEWS09/80816006

[Brew]

any boxscores for that purdue match?

[kimmy]

Heard Stewie may be up for an assistant coach role now that Fearny is moving on. Anyone heard anthing similar. I reckon it wold be a good move

[Daisan]

Kimmy,

Whats the news on Fearney, where is he going ?
I would assume Mark Beecroft would move into the 1st assissant coach role and maybe stewy to the second.

[Julian]

Daisan - http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2008/0 ... -news.html (http://www.cairns.com.au/article/2008/08/08/6074_local-sport-news.html)

[Daisan]

Thanks Julian

[Wild 1]

Cairns to retire Grabaus uniform BEFORE he retires? :P

http://nbl.com.au/default.aspx?s=newsdisplay&id=75911

This would be pretty rare in any sport Id guess?