Taipans Academy
2009/10
Academy Program
"Excellence is not an act, but a habit."
Aristotle
"When I played with Michael Jordan on the Olympic team, there was a huge gap between his ability and the ability of the other great players on that team. But what impressed me was that he was always the first one on the floor and the last one to leave."
Steve Alford
Success isn't something that just happens - success is learned, success is practiced and then it is shared.
Sparky Anderson
About the Academy
The Cairns Taipans Academy provides opportunities for elite young athletes who demonstrate the potential to play at the National level through education, training and competition.
The Academy Program is based upon the same framework of success as the NBL Cairns Taipans. This framework is formed by “8 Standards of Success”
• Development
• Trust
• Passion
• Accountability
• Discipline
• Preparation
• Commitment to Working Hard
• Community Interaction
Throughout the course of the program athletes receive education by the Taipans staff in the following areas:all aspects of individual skills training,
• strength and conditioning,
• recovery methods,
• game preparation,
• dietary habits and weight control measures,
• speed and footwork
• goal setting,
• professional attitude
Aaron Fearne Mick Downer
Head Coach Assistant Coach
Skytrans Cairns Taipans Skytrans Cairns Taipans 2009/10 Taipans Academy Athletes&
Player Name | School/Employer | Height | Age |
|---|---|---|---|
Matthew Adekponya | Subway The Esplanade | 190cm | 19 |
Aaron Bin Tahal | Smithfield State High School | 171cm | 16 |
Michael Chitham | Taipans Development Player | 193cm | 18 |
Reece Craigie | Sanity Cairns DFO | 188cm | 20 |
Michael Demertze | Cairns State High School | 191cm | 15 |
Luke Ellwood | Cairns State High School | 191cm | 15 |
Laurence Hobson | Trinity Bay State High School | 194cm | 16 |
James Mitchell | Cairns Basketball | 195cm | 18 |
Jason Osborne | Gordonvale State High School | 187cm | 15 |
Aaron Schulze | Cairns State High School | 178cm | 16 |
Travis Thorne | Cairns Basketball / TAFE | 185cm | 19 |
Bryce Whitaker | 196cm | 18 | |
Corey Whitaker | Cairns State High School | 182cm | 17 |
Program History & Success
The Cairns Taipans Academy has been built on a solid foundation since its inception in 2000. The Academy has played a key role in the development of many players who have been chosen to represent teams in the NBL, NCAA I & II, NAIA I & II, Junior College, the Australian Institute of Sport and various ABA and state teams.
The program is extremely proud of the many successes of its former and coaches. We celebrate these in “Honour Roll”.
This year the Academy as part of the Cairns Taipans organization is “rebuilding” with a focus on the “Community”. The program exists due to the generosity, hard work and support of the Cairns Basketball Community, Corporate Sector, Government Departments and the General Public. Always be appreciative of the opportunity while Athletes are a Cairns Taipans Academy Athlete.
Please feel free to contact the Taipans Academy Staff if Athletes have any questions regarding the program.
Mick Downer
Academy Head Coach
Ph: +61 7 4041 3000
E: mick@taipans.com
Brad Burdon
Taipans Academy Assistant Coach
Joel Khalu
Taipans Academy Assistant Coach
Adrian Teitzel
Head Strength and Conditioning Coach
CAIRNS TAIPANS ACADEMY HONOUR ROLL
AARON FEARNE Head Coach: Skytrans Taipans 2009/10
Cairns Taipans Assistant Coach 2001 - 2008
Cairns Taipans Academy Head Coach 2001 -
Cairns Marlins QBL Head Coach
Cairns Marlins U18 / 23 Head Coach
Aaron is one of only two people currently with the Cairns Taipans who have been with the club since inception (the other being Aaron Grabau) and is very passionate about the Taipans and basketball in Cairns. Aaron has also been a major factor in the success of the Cairns Marlins ABA program and has been an on court leader throughout his playing career.
Playing Career
Graduated 1997 - Mayville State University North Dakota.
(Played 2 seasons with Mayville and reached the National Tournament in both seasons).
1998 - Started with the Cairns Marlins in the ABA competition.
Played in 4 National ABA tournaments winning 2 championships 1998 and 2004.
1999/00 & 2000/01 - Played with the Cairns Taipans
Coaching Career
Established the Taipans Academy in 2001. Is now the Head Coach of the Skytrans Cairns Taipans.
Former Head Coach of the QABL Cairns Marlins
National Champions 2007, State Champions 2009
Aaron has coached numerous U18/23 Cairns Marlins representative team since 1999 and was the Assistant Coach with U18 North Queensland team which won the National Championships in 2004.
MARK BEECROFT General Manager: Skytrans Taipans – 2009 -
Cairns Taipans Interim Head Coach 2008/09
Cairns Taipans Assistant Coach 2006 - 2008
Cairns Taipans Academy Head Coach 2006 - 2008
Cairns Marlins QBL Head Coach 2000 - 2005
Mark has held almost every coaching and administration role in Cairns. He was the former Administrator and Coaching Director of Cairns basketball before joining the Cairns Taipans as an Assistant Coach. During the 2008/09 NBL Mark took over the reigns as Head Coach of the Taipans after the departure of Alan Black.
Mark was highly successful as the Cairns Marlins ABA Head Coach winning the National Championship in 2004 with an All-Australian team. He has also coached with the Taipans Academy, and Cairns Marlins junior representative sides.
Mark played his junior basketball in Victoria for the Melbourne Tigers and was a member of the NBL Geelong Supercats before heading to Far North Queensland to play for the Cairns Marlins.
NATHAN JAWAI Australian Boomer
NBA Draftee (pick #41 2008)
Cairns Taipans NBL 2007/08
Cairns Marlins QBL
Australian Institute of Sport Scholarship
Former Taipans Academy player Nathan Jawai has progressed to the highest levels of the sport both Nationally and Internationally. Nathan spent time at the Australian Institute of Sport before a brief stint in the US College system as Midland Community College, Texas. On return to Australia Nathan signed with the Cairns Taipan. In his 2007-08 NBL Rookie season, Jawai averaged 17.3ppg & 9.4rpg and shot 57% from the field. He was unanimously voted as the NBL Rookie of the Year.
He was drafted 41st overall in the 2008 NBA Draft by the Indiana Pacers; however, his rights were traded to the Toronto Raptors. Health issues interrupted his NBA rookie season in which he was on restricted duties and spent some time in the NBA D-League. On January 21, 2009, Jawai made his NBA debut against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills
A Bamaga boy the NBA were quick to nickname Nathan the "Aussie Shaq". Nathan is also a current Australian Boomer and played in the 2009 Oceania Qualification series. Prior to this Nathan has had great success on home shores as a member of the Australian Institute of Sport and the National Championship winning Marlins team in 2004.
ARON BAYNES Australian Boomer
Lithuanian Professional Team 2009/10
NCAA D1 – Washington State University, USA
Cairns Marlins QBL
Australian Institute of Sport Scholarship
Aron is a Mareeba boy who has made the most of every opportunity in basketball. He is currently in the Australian Boomers squad and recently signed a lucrative 2-year to Lithuanian powerhouse club Lietuvos Rytas.
Aron had an outstanding college career at Washington State University playing in one of the countries top conferences, the Pac-10. Averaging 12.7ppg and 7.5rpg in his senior and touted as a possible draft pick in the 2009 NBA draft, Aron was unlucky to go undrafted.
Aron had a very successful career in Australia before heading to the USA. He played in the 2004 National Championship Cairns Marlins ABA team alongside Nathan Jawai and also with the 2005 National Championship U20 QLD Men’s team.
KERRY WILLIAMS Australian Boomers Training Camp
Current Skytrans Taipans
NJCAA North Idaho Community College, USA
Cairns Marlins QBL
Kerry is a local product of Cairns who has made it on the big stage. Playing all his junior basketball with Cairns representative sides and a product of the Cairns SHS Bulldogs program, Kerry is now plying his trade in the NBL with the Taipans.
As a 17 year old high school student Kerry spent time as a training player with the Cairns Taipans. At the same age he played a key role in the Marlins 2004 National ABA Championship (the youngest player on the court). Kerry was also the floor leader for the QLD Nth U18 Men’s Gold Medal team at the National Championships. Kerry has been a key member of the highly successful Marlins programs and had his first experience in 2009 with the Australian Boomers Squad.
DWAYNE VALE Cairns Taipans NBL
Dwayne was born in Mt Isa but spent his junior basketball in Townsville before tracking north to join the Cairns Marlins in the QABL. He was selected to the Taipans Academy and through hard work and dedication gained a development player position with the Taipans. Dwayne is now a regular fixture on the Taipans roster entering his 5th season with the club. A talented scorer had a career high 18pts v Singapore to turn a ¾ time deficit into a convincing win.
ROWAN GRAY Cairns Taipans NBL Squad
Gold Coast Blaze NBL Development Player
NAIA – Christian Heritage College, USA
Cairns Marlins QBL
Rowan currently trains with Skytrans Cairns Taipans after spending a season with the Gold Coast Blaze as a development player. Rowan played a key role as the starting centre in the 2009 QBL State Championship winning Marlins side.
Rowan also spent 4 years at San Diego Christian College (formerly Christian Heritage College) where he was recognized as Conference Player of the Year and NAIA All-American for his performances.
DEBA GEORGE Cairns Taipans NBL Squad
Cairns Marlins QBL
Deba is a another local product who has worked his way
into the NBL through the Academy and ABA. For years he has devastated opposition teams in the ABA with his athleticism and scoring ability. Deba is a championship winning member of the Cairns Marlins and now is trains full-time with the Cairns Taipans.
JOEL KHALU Cairns Taipans Operations Manager
Cairns Marlins QBL
Waukesha Tech Junior College
Joel “Mr Cairns” Khalu has recently accepted the position of Operations and Community Program Manager with the Cairns Taipans. Joel was an original member of the Academy before heading to the USA to further his basketball at the Junior College level. On return from the USA he has played in the ABA with no less than 4 Championships with the Marlins. Joel has also been proactive with coaching through his involvement with the U18, U23, Academy and the NBL Taipans in 2008/09.
SCOTT COOK Cairns Taipans NBL
Cairns Marlins QBL
NAIA – Lindsey Wilson University, USA
Scott was an outstanding junior player for QLD state teams and a member of the Intensive Training Centre Program. After graduating from John Paul College he headed to the US to play at Lindsey Wilson. Scott had an outstanding college career leading his team the National Tournament and the all-time leader in Steals, Assists, Games Played, Free throws. He received NBA interest after graduating college but an untimely injury saw him return to Australia. Scott played for the QBL winning Marlins and the Mackay Meteors in the ABA.
HONOURABLE MENTION
CURT AHWANG Cairns Marlins ABA National Champions 2004 & 2007, 2009 State Champion
TODD BLANCHFIELD Australian Institute of Sport, Australian U19 Emu’s World Championship Team, Townsville Crocs NBL
DEAN BREBNER Cairns Taipans NBL, Cairns Marlins 2009 QBL State Champions, Geelong Supercats 2006 ABA National Champions, Augusta State NCAA D2, South Dragons NBL Development Player
CALLUM BAYNES Brisbane Bullets NBL Development Player (NBL Championship), Cairns Marlins, Brisbane Capitals QABL, NZ NBL, New Zealand National Squad
JAMES COMINO Cairns Marlins ABA National Champions 2007, 2009 State Champion, QLD Nth 2004 National Championship
DANIEL DONAGHY Cairns Marlins ABA, U16/U18 Queensland State Team, Clark Junior College, Vancouver, Washington
JEROMIE HILL Australian Institute of Sport Scholarship Holder, U19 Australian Emu’s Squad
PETER HOBAN Adelaide 36ers NBL Development Player, Cairns Marlins QABL
JADE KENNEDY Cairns Dolphins QABL, QABL MVP 2007, Wyoming University NCAA D1, Australian Schoolgirls
PETERSON OPIO Cairns Marlins ABA National Champions 2004 & 2007
SCOTT PAGET Cairns Marlins 2004 ABA National Champions, NY Institute of Technology
SONNY THOSS Alaska Acers – Phillipino Professional League, Cairns Marlins QBL 2001 State Champions, Cairns Taipans NBL Squad
CAMERON WITT Valparaiso University NCAA D1, Australian University Men’s Team 2009, Cairns Marlins QABL
ACADEMY ATHLETES
2001/02 | 2002/03 | 2003/04 |
|---|---|---|
Daniel Donaghy | Callum Baynes | Curt Ahwang |
Deba George | Daniel Donaghy | Aron Baynes |
Kris Johnstone | David Fanning | Leslie Coe |
Joel Khalu | Deba George | James Comino |
Francis Loban | Josh Gill | Johno Forman |
Scott Paget | Scott Paget | Deba George |
Adam Pisczcuk | Anthony Plummer | Ben Lort-Phillips |
Anthony Plummer | Nathan Selsby | Peterson Opio |
Lee Reeding | Ben Tatuli | Kris Whelan |
Joachim Thoss | Joachim Thoss | Kerry Williams |
2004/05 | 2005/06 | 2006/07 |
|---|---|---|
Curt Ahwang | Curt Ahwang | Todd Blanchfield |
Aron Baynes | George Coe | Michael Chitham |
Brenton Campbell | Leslie Coe | George Coe |
Leslie Coe | James Comino | James Comino |
James Comino | Brooke Couper | Scott Cook |
Deba George | Garrett Ellwood | Brooke Couper |
Peter Hoban | Deba George | Garrett Ellwood |
Nathan Jawai | Ben Lort-Phillips | Jade Kennedy |
Ben Lort-Phillips | Max Lange | Ben Lort-Phillips |
Peterson Opio | Peterson Opio | Titi Masunda |
Troy Thompson | Dwayne Vale | Peterson Opio |
Kerry Williams | Kerry Williams | Juliana Paunovic |
Kris Whelan | Kris Whelan | Dwayne Vale |
|
| Cameron Witt |
2007/08 | 2008/09 | 2009/10 |
|---|---|---|
Dean Brebner | Bibi Baker | Matthew Adekponya |
George Coe | Dean Brebner | Aaron Bintahal |
James Comino | Michael Chitham | Michael Chitham |
Garrett Ellwood | Reece Craigie | Reece Craigie |
Kristi Giblett | Garrett Ellwod | Michael Demertze |
Jeromie Hill | Jeromie Hill | Luke Ellwood |
Ashley North | Ashley North | Lawrence Hobson |
Thomas Samuels | James Mitchell | James Mitchell |
Dwayne Vale | Travis Thorne | Jason Osbourne |
Geoff Walsh | Bryce Whitaker | Aaron Schulze |
Bryce Whitaker | Corey Whitaker | Travis Torne |
Cameron Witt | Kerry Williams | Bryce Whitaker |
Corey Whitaker |
Code of Conduct
Cairns Taipans Academy players are required to always conduct themselves in a professional and respectable manner. As elite junior and local identities will be continuously scrutinized and put under the microscope. It is paramount that the players do not bring themselves, the Taipans or the Academy into disrepute. are required to abide by the “Code of Conduct” statements below.
Code of Conduct Statement
1. Drugs and smoking are obviously detrimental to any elite athlete’s performance and the use of these will not be tolerated and will result in automatic expulsion from the Academy.
2. I will agree to undertake a drug test at any time when requested by the coaching staff.
3. The consumption of alcohol must be limited for trainees over the age of 18, excessive use, which results in poor performance, and poor body conditioning will come under strict review, and possible removal from Academy.
4. I will hand in all forms or information as requested by the Coach and or support staff and make and keep appointments when requested as necessary.
5. I will wear and maintain the clothing supplied as appropriate to the activity I am participating in. e.g training uniform to training.
6. I will be on time (early) to all required team trainings and meetings unless adequate notice has been given to the coaching staff explaining my situation. If injured or sick I will be at all team sessions unless arrangements have been made with the Cairns Taipans Academy Coaching staff.
7. I will return all equipment if I should be removed from the Academy for non-compliance of the above, discipline reasons, or if I withdraw myself from the Academy.
8. Any player who brings the Academy into disrepute through their personal actions or involvement in any incidents will be dealt with accordingly
Athlete Benefits
PROFESSIONAL COACHING
All athletes in the Academy will receive coaching from the Taipans Coaching Staff who are full-time professionals with vast experience in basketball. will receive coaching on individual development, technical skills and tactical concepts in line with the Cairns Taipans NBL team. This also includes Strength & Conditioning delivered by our professional coach.
EDUCATION
The Professional Athlete – Athletes will gain an inside knowledge and understanding of what is required to become a professional athlete in basketball. The dedication, repetition, attitude, sacrifice and work ethic of a pro athlete in relation to Training, Diet, Conditioning, Strength, and Goal setting.
Media Training – Athletes will have the opportunity to gain experience in dealing with the media through interactive workshops and interviews. At the professional level the media plays a significant role in influencing the public’s perception of a team.
Player Pathways – Each athlete will receive mentoring regarding their pathway. There are many opportunities to advance their junior basketball experience into a senior career through Youth leagues, the ABA, National Programs, overseas and the NBL. The coaching staff will assist with Athletes advice when decisions regarding pathways is required.
COMPETITION
Although training is the main emphasis of the Academy program opportunities to play in games will be organized wherever possible. These are most likely to come in the form of exhibition games versus other NBL academies and potentially an interstate or overseas tour. Information regarding competition opportunities will be provided at the relevant time.
NETWORKING & EXPOSURE
The coaching staff of the Academy program has an expansive network of coaching contacts both nationally and internationally. Progression and performance within the Academy and through other programs such as representative teams, state teams, the NITP and schools programs will help Athletes gain exposure so that Athletes can continue their pathway. Players interested in the US College System will also benefit through the networking by the coaching staff and education/recruiting information.
Community Promotions
All members of the Taipans Academy program will be expected to participate in a variety of promotions and clinics as part of the program. Promotions are a key component of a professional athlete and athletes will be exposed to promotions throughout the course of the program, these include:
• TINY TAIPANS
o A Saturday morning clinic for children 5-9yrs. A couple Academy will attend the clinic each week (approx. 1 per month, per athlete)
• TAIPANS HOME GAMES
o Academy players will be required to assist with pre-game promotions on game nights. Specific information will be provided to each athlete
• CLINICS
o Their maybe a clinic in which Taipans Academy players are asked to be involved. Information will be provided in advance
• CORPORATE / PUBLIC EVENTS
o The Cairns Taipans may request members of the Academy program to attend sponsors functions / promotions from time to time, Athletes will receive information regarding these events if they arise.
