McVeigh returns to the NBL, chooses Cairns

The Australian Boomer has selected Cairns in his anticipated return to the NBL after spending the last 12 months in the NBA with Houston.

The 203cm forward signs a two-year contract (second year mutual option) subject to NBL approval. He becomes the Club’s first marquee player since Nathan Jawai, and just the second in Taipans history.

The 29-year-old is quickly building a decorated career and makes the move to Far North Queensland after chasing his NBA dream with the Rockets. He played nine games with Houston and 35 games with their G League affiliate, the Rio Grande Valley Vipers.

He earned his two-way contract following a memorable NBL campaign, helping Tasmania win their maiden championship. He was named the 2024 Grand Final MVP, hitting a half-court three-pointer to win game three and putting up a 28-point performance in game four.

In the same year, McVeigh also represented the Boomers at the 2024 Paris Olympics, helping Australia reach the quarter-finals. He contributed 38 points and 12 rebounds across their four games, shooting 52.6% from the perimeter.

Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde said that McVeigh’s recent success is remarkable, but it’s been his consistency and character that makes him the perfect fit for Cairns.

“I know that the Club were aiming for a marquee-type signing throughout the off-season and knowing that it was a real possibility changed everything about the type of roster we could build.

"I couldn’t be happier that it’s Jack – I think if you could pick the characteristics of an ideal marquee - he ticks them all. From his character to his work ethic, Jack has shown consistency throughout his entire career. His impact in the NBL and on the world stage in the NBA and Olympics is undeniable, and we look forward to him bringing that same energy to Cairns,” said Forde.

“I’ve always admired Jack from afar and seen his growth in the league. He has made remarkable strides throughout his career to better himself as a player and a person.

“But the best thing about Jack is that he is so willing to share his journey with other players, to help them in their careers too. He does this with no agenda other than to help, and that says a lot about his character, his family, and the circle of people he has around him.”

Originally from regional NSW, McVeigh began his basketball journey at the AIS before he committed to the University of Nebraska. As a Husker, McVeigh appeared in every game as a freshman before developing into one of the conference’s best sixth men.

After three seasons at the collegiate level, the 21-year-old returned to Australia to join the Gold Coast Rollers in the Queensland Basketball League (now NBL1 North) leading to his NBL debut with Adelaide in 2018. He scored over 500 points during his three year tenure as a 36er, before opting to join the inaugural JackJumpers squad in 2021.

Slotting straight into their starting lineup to contribute 12.2 points and 4.7 boards per outing, he also shot 37.3% from the perimeter during their first season in the league.

The sharpshooter played a pivotal role for Tasmania, leading them to two Grand Final appearances in three years, with one semi-finals campaign. He averaged 17.3 points while shooting 52.1% from the floor and 39.8% from three in his final season on the Apple Isle. 

McVeigh made his NBA debut against the San Antonio Spurs on 6 November 2024, becoming the first NBA player to wear the jersey number 58. He scored his first NBA points two days later with a three-pointer which secured him a series of appearances over the following month.

Averaging 15.7 points, 4.6 rebounds and 1.6 assists for the Vipers, he returned to the Rockets later in the season to contribute six points in just under seven minutes of action against the Thunder – shooting a perfect two of two from the perimeter.

Taipans President Troy Stone said he was pleased to announce a signing of this magnitude.

“We promised our fans and our community that we were working on some big things – I don’t think it gets much bigger than Jack McVeigh. He’s the best Australian player right now, and he’s chosen to come to Cairns. This is monumental for our Club, and I don’t think people will realise just how big this is, until he hits the court,” said Stone.

“The timing of our off-season has worked in our favour – we’ve had to be very patient, and I know it’s been frustrating for everyone. But Jack is the first card to fall, and we still have three import spots to fill and two local spots to announce. It’s all going to be worth the wait.”

More recently, McVeigh played for the Atlanta Hawks during the 2025 NBA Summer League and is currently in Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Men’s Asia Cup. Following the Boomers’ current campaign, McVeigh will start a new chapter in his career with Cairns.  

He joins Sam Waardenburg, Alex Higgins-Titsha, Kyrin Galloway, Kyle Adnam and Kody Stattmann on the Taipans 2025-26 roster.

The Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans would like to sincerely thank the team at Kenfrost Homes & Residential Estates for their unwavering loyalty over the years, as well as their remarkable support during this off-season.