McVeigh out for 36ers clash

Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans star Jack McVeigh is out for Saturday’s home fixture against the Adelaide 36ers. 

The 29-year old has been struggling with an ongoing wrist injury sustained in the round two fixture against the Brisbane Bullets. 

The Australian Boomers forward has been playing through bone bruising, however with the injury on his shooting hand failing to heal, the Taipans made a decision to take a precautious approach with McVeigh.

Head Coach Adam Forde said it was his decision to take precaution with the former Houston Rocket. 

“We sent him for an MRI last week which cleared (McVeigh) of a break,” Forde said.

“We wanted to take a conservative approach for how we manage his wrist. (Currently) his wrist is in a splint which takes away his best aspect of shooting. We want him to rest and get his wrist right knowing it’s still early in the season. It shuffles the deck, but we want to manage his wrist and get him back on the court as soon as possible.”

The last NBL game the Paris Olympian missed in the NBL was for Tasmania, during Game 3 of their NBL23 Championship Series against Sydney.

That was the only game McVeigh missed during his three seasons with the JackJumpers.

Forde said the injury presents an opportunity for slashing forward Alex Higgins-Titsha and Kyrin Galloway to start in Saturday's home clash. 

"We will move (Admiral Schofield) up to the 4 — who has been nursing a nagging ankle injury. (Galloway) will play more at the 5 knowing the opposition coverages will we face in the next two fixtures. (Higgins-Titsha) will be moved to the 3 spot and will play his natural position as a slasher rebounder and he can defend multiple positions."

McVeigh will be assessed week to week for upcoming fixtures.