Forde Praises NBL Response, Turns Focus to Wildcats Clash

Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde said he’s been encouraged by the NBL’s communication in the days following Saturday night’s loss to the New Zealand Breakers, with the Snakes turning their attention to Thursday night’s showdown with the Perth Wildcats.

Forde was ejected for the first time in his coaching career after receiving back-to-back technical fouls in the second quarter, following a contentious sequence in which Taipans point guard Andrew Andrews copped a knock to the head.

“I’ve got to give credit where credit is due,” Forde said.

“I’ve been critical of the NBL in terms of communications, but this week has been really good.

“(Taipans) CEO Mark Beecroft had direct talks with the NBL about how that game was and things we highlighted in terms of my ejection and Andrew (Andrews) fouling. The communication has been really good.”

“There’s been progress and things that I can walk away from and say they are listening and they did take it on board. While I have been critical in the past, I want to go on the other side and say, ‘hey look, credit where credit is due, they’ve been really good this week.’

“I’ll be on my best behaviour and to continue those future communications, I’ll definitely be an ally in that moving forward.”

In the days since, Forde said he had time to reflect on the moment and how he could handle similar situations in future.

“It’s the first time in my career I’ve been ejected from a game,” he said.

“You do start to think about things you’ve done or shouldn’t have done. I know I don’t sit here as an innocent party. But I walk away knowing if that scenario was done again, the outcome wouldn’t have been the same and I would’ve been able to coach out the second half.”

With the Wildcats next on the schedule, Forde also spoke warmly of his history in Perth including winning four NBL championships as an assistant coach.

“So many great memories at the Wildcats,” he said. 

“It was pretty much where I was able to cut my teeth in coaching.

“Tom Jervis, Drew Williamson, Sunday (Dech). So many guys here, who we all started out at the same time. We are always connected here which is cool.”

Import forward Admiral Schofield said the group has used the week to reset and reconnect ahead of the road challenge.

“It’s been a good time to stay focused and really lock in,” Schofield said. “The guys are ready to play tomorrow.”

“Wildcats have had a great season so far, it’s just about us coming out and being as disruptive as possible.”
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‍The Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans remain in Perth playing the Wildcats on Thursday night, before heading east to face the Phoenix on Saturday afternoon. The Taipans then return to the Far North for their next home fixture against the Tasmania JackJumpers on Friday, January 30. Grab your tickets HERE.‍