Luca Yates is a snake

The Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans are pleased to announce 6’10” centre Luca Yates as a development player on a three-year deal that will elevate him to the Taipans playing roster in the 2028-29 season.

Already in Cairns, Yates has helped steer the Marlins to a perfect 16-0 regular season while averaging an NBL1 career-high double-double of 16.7 points and 10.3 rebounds.

The big man currently ranks fourth in the competition for rebounds as he chases his second NBL1 North championship, having won the title with Mackay in 2024.

With his pre-season with the Taipans on the other side, the 22-year-old said Head Coach Adam Forde and CEO Mark Beecroft have made his dreams come true.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the opportunity to play for the Taipans. Growing up in North Queensland, it’s always been the team I supported and dreamed of playing for.

“After speaking with Fordey and Mark, their vision for my development over the next three years was something I couldn’t turn down.

“I’m excited to learn from the coaching staff, be part of a group of experienced NBL veterans and do everything I can to help the team succeed.”

The product of the NBA Global Academy and Australian Institute of Sport signed with the Illawarra Hawks in 2023 and has spent the last three seasons in the NBL as a DP.

The emerging talent was part of the Hawks’ 2025 Championship run and earned his first career start last season against Adelaide.

The North Queenslander joins Jonah Bolden, Jack McVeigh, Keanu Pinder, Sunday Dech, Kyrin Galloway, Reyne Smith, Shaun Bruce and Next Star Luke Paul on the 2026-27 Taipans roster.