Forde Selects Taipans-Heavy Gangurrus Side

Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde is heading back to the half-court, selecting a Taipans-heavy roster for the Gangurrus’ men’s campaign at the FIBA 3x3 Champions Cup in Bangkok from March 13-15.

Fresh off the program’s first national training camp of 2026 in Cairns, Forde has selected Taipans gritty guard Lachlan Barker and former Taipans forward Dillon Stith in his four-man squad as Australia prepares for its first international clash of the year.

Barker’s inclusion is a reward for his hard-nosed two-way style that suits the chaos and speed of 3x3, while Stith returns to the international stage after previous campaigns in green and gold. 

The squad is rounded out by Brisbane Bullets guard Sam McDaniel and South East Melbourne Phoenix forward D.J. Mitchell, who are both set for their Gangurrus debut, depending on the Phoenix’s NBL finals run. 

If Mitchell is unavailable, the door could open for another Taipans connection, with slasher Alex Higgins-Titsha named as an emergency substitute alongside former Cairns defender Jonah Antonio.

The women’s side, led by Head Coach Damon Lowery, will feature Marena Whittle, Kristy Wallace, Emma Clarke and Lara McSpadden. 

Sydney Flames guard Lauren Nicholson and Lou Brown have been named as emergency substitutions.

With tournament winners earning direct qualification pathways toward the FIBA 3x3 World Cup 2027 and key Olympic qualification events, there’s plenty on the line as the road to Los Angeles 2028 begins. 

Australia’s men have been drawn into Pool B with the United States, Netherlands and Madagascar.