The Cairns Taipans, hailing from Cairns, Queensland, are a prominent Australian professional basketball team that competes in the National Basketball League (NBL). Their home games take place at the Cairns Convention Centre, affectionately referred to as “The Snakepit.” Notably, the Cairns Taipans maintain their unique status as the only not-for-profit club in the NBL.
History
The Cairns Taipans were founded in 1999, replacing the Newcastle Falcons in the NBL for the 1999/2000 season. Despite a challenging start with a 2–26 season record in their debut season, they gradually made progress. In 2003/04, they achieved their first finals appearance, defeating the Perth Wildcats in an elimination final. However, their journey ended in the quarter-finals with a loss to the West Sydney Razorbacks. Over the next few years, they enjoyed further success, making three consecutive finals appearances from 2005/06 to 2007/08.
Financial difficulties loomed in 2008 when the team faced voluntary administration. This led to the departure of their coach and some key players, who took pay cuts to support the financially struggling club. Despite these hardships, the Taipans received support from Basketball Australia and the Cairns Regional Council.
In the 2010/11 season, the Cairns Taipans achieved a significant milestone, finishing third in the regular season with a 16–12 record and advancing to the 2011 NBL Grand Final series. Star players Ron Dorsey, Ayinde Ubaka, and Daniel Dillon played pivotal roles, particularly during a memorable double-overtime win in Game 2 of the series. While they were defeated in the championship-deciding Game 3 by the New Zealand Breakers, their remarkable journey left an indelible mark in the Taipans’ history.
Over the years, the Taipans have achieved recognition with multiple awards and honors in the NBL. Notably, they clinched their first NBL minor premiership in the 2014/15 season. Their regular-season achievements and presence in the finals highlight their competitive spirit and contributions to Australian basketball.
Honors and Achievements
- NBL Championships: 0
- Regular-season champions: 1 (2015)
- NBL finals appearances: 9 (2004, 2006, 2007, 2008, 2011, 2015, 2017, 2020, 2023)
- NBL Grand Final appearances: 2 (2011, 2015)
- Notable individual achievements in the NBL, including All-NBL First Team, Second Team, and Third Team selections, Rookie of the Year, Most Improved Player, Coach of the Year, Best Sixth Man, Best Defensive Player, and Next Generation Award.
Season by Season (Key Years)
- 1999–2000: Taipans’ inaugural season in the NBL.
- 2003–04: First finals appearance, reaching the quarter-finals.
- 2008–09: Financial difficulties and voluntary administration.
- 2010–11: Reached the NBL Grand Final.
- 2014–15: First NBL minor premiership.
All-time Records
- Regular season record: 300 wins, 406 losses (as of the end of the 2022–23 season).
- Post-season record: 13 wins, 18 losses (as of the end of the 2022–23 season).
- Combined regular and post-season record: 313 wins, 424 losses (as of the end of the 2022–23 season).
Notable Figures
The Cairns Taipans have seen various chairmen, CEOs, head coaches, and notable players over the years, contributing to their journey in the NBL. Some of these figures include Aaron Grabau, Shaun Bruce, Torrey Craig, Cameron Gliddon, Scott Machado, and many more.
Current Roster (as of September 30, 2023)
The team’s current roster includes players from various nationalities, such as the United States, Australia, New Zealand, and others. Notable players include Tahjere McCall, Patrick Miller, and Alex Loughton, among others.
Retired Jerseys
The Taipans have retired the jersey number 8 in honor of Aaron Grabau, who played for the team from 1999 to 2013.
Notable Past Players
The Cairns Taipans have had several notable players throughout their history, including both Australian and international talent. Players like Torrey Craig, Scott Machado, and Cameron Gliddon have made significant contributions to the team.
Categories: News
Source: thpttranhungdao.edu.vn/en/
