Machado thanks the Orange Army

Former CQUniversity Cairns Taipans guard Scott Machado has thanked the Orange Army and the club for the past three years in an Instagram post.

“It has been real, both on and off the court! Through all the ups and downs, I am forever grateful,” Machado wrote.

“You have allowed me to set foot in the land down under (Australia) and I had a chance to call Queensland (Cairns) home.

“I got to learn what ‘mate’ truly means and realised Vegemite wasn’t my thing, no matter how much butter you add. Nonetheless the country itself is absolutely astonishing.

“I want to thank the people that have been around from the beginning to the end. The ones that made it enjoyable to stay an extra two years and even the ones that didn’t come along on the full ride.

“I appreciate you all, especially the fans #OrangeArmy I love you. Leaving the same way I walked in. Can’t wait to see what’s next!”

Taipans CEO Mark Beecroft echoed the sentiments and said that Machado made an impression during his tenure.

“We wish Scott all the very best for the future,” he said.

“We’ve really enjoyed having him here in Cairns and he’s been a favourite amongst the fans and the front office.

“He’ll always be a friend of the club.”

Machado joined the Taipans in 2019 and was the runner-up MVP, named in the All-NBL First Team and voted Fan’s MVP in 2020.

The 31-year-old battled injuries last season and averaged 10.2 points and 5.4 assists per game.