Head Coach Adam Forde signs up for next chapter

The 43-year-old has agreed to a new contract that will ensure he will be part of the Club’s evolution.  

At the conclusion of his second two-year deal with the Taipans, Forde chose not to extend; however his decision led to the development of a new consultation role that would see him remain linked to the Club and contribute to the roster.

Meanwhile, credentialled coaches from across Australia, New Zealand, Japan and the United States were introduced and interviewed, a process that has led to valuable connections for the Club across the globe.

This search was conducted as the Club and executive Board accelerated its potential privatisation following years of discussion with the NBL. 

Taipans President Troy Stone explained the way various events transpired throughout the off-season led to Forde’s unexpected re-appointment.

“This Club has been navigating major changes this off-season and Adam’s initial departure was one of them.

“We’ve been really impressed by the calibre of coaches that were interested and interviewed to be part of the Cairns Taipans. It’s been rewarding. 

“But, it’s worth noting that Adam has not just walked back into his old job – there have been robust conversations in the background. Our landscape is changing, and he’s seen it firsthand now. He didn’t want to miss the opportunity to be part of this Club’s evolution, and we couldn’t be happier.

“As part of this broader change we will all evolve and get better. That goes for everyone, from Adam to his assistants, to everyone in the front office. This is a positive and exciting step forward for all of us,” said Mr Stone.

“Fordey” first signed with Cairns in 2021 and went on to make the semi-finals in his second season. He was named NBL Coach of the Year in 2023, the same year he produced the Rookie of the Year and Most Improved Player. Notably, Cairns achieved back-to-back MIP awards with Keanu Pinder in 2022 and 2023 – the first time this has been achieved in league history.

During Forde’s tenure, the Taipans helped two players to the NBA in as many seasons, Bobi Klintman (2023 – Detroit Pistons) and Taran Armstrong (2024 – Golden State Warriors) while the discovery of Alex Higgins-Titsha last year has led to his first NBL contract and a training camp call-up with the Warriors this month.

Most recently, Forde was named interim Head Coach of the national 3x3 men’s team and alongside Higgins-Titsha and former Taipans Dillon Stith and Jonah Antonio, won Gold at the 3x3 Asia Cup and Bronze at the inaugural 3x3 Champions Cup.

Forde acknowledges that his original decision to step away from the NBL provided him with the distance and deserved break he required, enabling a unique opportunity for reflection after 12 consecutive seasons in the league.

“A lot has changed over the last four months. I haven’t been able to get a break from basketball like this before and it gave me the chance to step back," he said.

"I’ve witnessed how hard everyone has been working this off-season and it's really exciting. I just knew I had to be part of the new era for the Cairns Taipans.”