Pinder and Forde: Reunited at last

Three seasons after leaving the tropics, Keanu Pinder is returning to the city where he made the most significant strides in his career.

Signing with the Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans for their 2026-27 season, it marks the first time that the talented center is returning to a club since beginning his professional career in 2020.

Initially joining the club in 2021 after his rookie season in Adelaide, the Western Australian was reunited with Adam Forde who he played under at the East Perth Eagles in 2015, with the Head Coach making Pinder his first ever signing in Cairns.

After winning back-to-back NBL Most Improved Player awards as a Taipan, the 31-year-old stretched his wings and signed with his hometown Wildcats before making the move to China and then Japan.

“What’s special for me personally with Keanu returning is that it's the first time we've had someone who grew and built their basketball brand here return after playing elsewhere around the world,” explained Head Coach Adam Forde.

“He has added additional layers to his skillset and now comes back to us at the peak of his game.”

First making his way to Adelaide after his time at the University of Arizona, Pinder averaged 4.8 points and 4.3 rebounds in his rookie campaign.

Moving north to Cairns to reunite with Forde, the impact was immediate with the center more than doubling his scoring output, shooting the ball 13% better, and averaging 7.6 rebounds per game to be awarded the league’s Most Improved Player.

Continuing his rise to push himself into MVP conversations before injuries derailed his season, Pinder won his second Most Improved award with an average of 16.9 points and 9.3 rebounds per game.

However, his scoring isn’t where he is most impactful for his Head Coach.

“One thing with Keanu that gets overlooked, is that last time he was here, he had the number one-ranked defensive rating in the league.

“We were the number one-ranked defensive team, and he was sixth in the league for rebounding percentage. That's something that we've really missed since he's been gone.

“And even his first time in Perth, he was still ranked in the top ten for defensive rating, and so his ability to be able to defend and anchor the defence is something that kind of gets overlooked.”

Last sitting in the top half of the league on the defensive end in 2023-24, improving his side’s effort at that end of the court is at the front of his mind as he builds his latest roster, with Pinder the latest piece in the puzzle alongside Sunday Dech.

“Last year was off the charts the worst defensive year I’ve ever had as a coach, and especially in Cairns.

“And so, it was important to recruit guys that pride in that side of the ball, and Keanu is one of them, so it’s great to have him back.

“Obviously, his offensive game speaks for itself and his point of difference in what he can do on the short roll and finishing on the rim, and with his back to the basket, plus he’s worked on his outside shot.

“But again, something that I really appreciate and value with him, and something that we’re going to rely on, is what he can do defensively.”