“It’s great to be back shooting”: Waardenburg return progresses

The offensive weapon — entering his fourth season with the Taipans — suffered an ankle injury during pre-season which required surgery in September.

Taipans forward Sam Waardenburg

“It’s a great feeling to be back at the courts.

“I’ve been in a moon boot and a cast for six weeks now. My calf still needs work and my foot is just getting used to more weight-bearing, but it’s great to be back and shooting the basketball for the first time."

The New Zealand native had a career-best season in NBL25 and was named the Taipans' Club MVP after averaging 14.5 points (from 50 per cent FG), 6.4 rebounds and 3.4 assists.

The 26-year old said his recovery is progressing well for an expected December return.

“I think it’s going faster than the physios think.

“I’m feeling great, but I’m being told to take a step back. It’s that urge to just be back on the court. I love playing basketball, so I just want to be out there as soon as possible."

Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde said he was just as happy to see the big man finally out of the boot.

Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde

“I smiled about that yesterday when he was finally out of the moon boot.

“He’s putting more weight through the ankle now. He’s still on an early-December timeline — it’s not like he’s going to be back in the coming weeks — but he’s progressing nicely and exactly where he needs to be in terms of his return to play."

Waardenburg said he’s been proud of how the group has stuck together through a tough stretch.

The stretch five admitted it had been a struggle watching from the sidelines, knowing he could be making an impact on the court.

“I love playing basketball and being out there with the team, so it’s been tough.

“But these guys are coming in and working hard every single day — just stacking days.

“It’s a great group of guys. They bond well and there’s no animosity in the locker room.

“I know the results might not look the best right now — it’s not what we aimed for — but these guys are figuring it out. I think soon we’ll take a step in the right direction and see a breakthrough soon.”