Coaches and Support Staff
â– Head Coach
Adam Forde
Originally from Western Australia, Forde has extensive experience in the NBL since joining the Wildcats in 2011 as an assistant. He was part of four championships with Perth – 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2019 before taking his talents to Sydney. In 2020, Forde helped the Kings to the minor premiership and their first Grand Final appearance since 2008, before being elevated to the head coach position in 2021. He joined the Taipans in 2021, reaching the semi-finals in his second season and winning the 2023 NBL Coach of the Year Award. "Fordey" is well-regarded throughout Australian basketball for his calculated coaching, meticulous approach to scouting, strong player relationships, and unrivalled work ethic.
â– Assistant Coaches
Will Lopez
Will Lopez joined the club ahead of the 2021-22 season, first as the Development Coach, and now as an Assistant Coach. During this time, he spent two seasons as an assistant coach for the Cairns Marlins, before leading the Cairns Dolphins as their Head Coach for the 2024 NBL1 North season. The former Cairns Basketball Development Manager has also served as the NBL1 Head Coach and Director of Coaching with the Bankstown Bruins, and as the High Performance Coach for Basketball New South Wales, across which he’s held a strong focus on the development and growth of his players.
Angus Henskens
Joining the Taipans for the 2025-26 season, Angus Henskens brings with him six seasons of experience from his time with the Sydney Kings. The two-time NBL champion has worked under the likes of Will Weaver, Brian Goorjian and Chase Buford during his time with the Kings, and makes the move to Cairns to reunite with Adam Forde after working together in 2021.
Michael Lake
Returning to his home state, Michael Lake joins the Taipans after spending the last three seasons working through Adelaide's coaching ranks. Previously the development squad coach and video analyst with the Brisbane Bullets, Lake has also worked the past two NBL1 seasons as the Southern Tiger’s Head Coach and led Queensland South to the Under 18 national title in 2022.
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