Antonio signs with Cairns Marlins

The Studio Pilates Cairns Marlins have made their first splash of the season, signing the sharp-shooting Jonah Antonio. The CQUniversity Cairns Taipans guard made his NBL debut last year and will remain in Far North Queensland under the tutelage of the Taipans coaches ahead of next season.

Antonio recently exploded for a career-high 20 points (six threes) and six rebounds in the first playoff game against the Sydney Kings, showing the competition what he is capable of. 

Antonio has been an important part of the Taipans bench in his first year in the NBL, averaging 3.0 points and 1.4 rebounds in a team that had a tight rotation. 

Marlins Head Coach Kerry Williams said that this off-season campaign will be significant for his development.

“I am extremely happy to get Jonah’s commitment to the Marlins and keep him around Cairns throughout the off-season. He’s obviously going to be a tough cover in the NBL1 North and he’ll get to shoot his own shots. I want him to lead our team in scoring,” said Williams.

“Looking at the bigger picture, we know what this can look like in terms of a player’s growth. Ben Ayre made huge strides last year and it clearly paid off for him during the NBL season. The Taipans coaching staff are looking forward to watching Jonah build his confidence with the Marlins while developing for his next Taipans campaign.” 

The Studio Pilates Cairns Marlins will begin their season this Sunday 26 March in Townsville. The first home game at the Fishtank (Early Settler Stadium) will be Friday 14 April, hosting the Brisbane Capitals.