Pinder's Cairns Return Confirmed

The Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans are ecstatic to confirm the signing of Keanu Pinder to a one-year deal, with the dynamic big man returning to the Club and coach that sparked his resurgence in the league.

Pinder previously played for Cairns in the 2021-22 and 2022-23 seasons and under Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde, made NBL history when he won back-to-back Most Improved Player awards.

Following stints with the Wildcats (Perth), Shanxi Loongs (China) and Akita Northern Happinets (Japan), the 31-year-old now returns to Far North Queensland with an eye on his future.

“I decided to return to Cairns because of the trust I have in the organisation and the relationships I have there, especially with [Adam] Forde and [Mark] Beecroft,” Pinder said.

“Us three spoke about my future and the trajectory of the Club, and we're all aligned on what we want to achieve.

“Honestly, Forde is the best coach I’ve ever had. He’s someone I’ve known since I was young, and we’ve always had a great relationship.

“We’ve always seen eye-to-eye on how is best for me to play, so when the opportunity to team up with him came up again, I couldn’t say no.”

Pinder is set to join fellow Australian Boomers Jack McVeigh and Reyne Smith on the Taipans’ revamped roster, while also reuniting with former teammate Sunday Dech.

“The timing just felt right to return, as they’re the perfect fit for me, and I believe we can make something special happen with the pieces we have in place.

“It’s always easier to play with the guys who can really shoot the ball [like Jack and Reyne], creating more space for me to get on the rim and do what I do.”

Just as excited about the reunion is Coach Forde, whose first official signing as Taipans coach back in 2021 was Pinder. Behind-the-scenes, Pinder was again at the top of his list when Forde re-signed during the off-season.

“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,” Forde said.

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

While Forde knows the offensive threat that Pinder, who had a career-high 16.9 points per game in his most recent season in Cairns, poses, it’s what he brings to the Club on the other end that could make the biggest impact.

“Obviously, his offensive game speaks for itself. His point of difference is what he can do on the short roll and how he can finish on the rim. His back-to-the-basket game and outside shot have also taken big strides.

“But defensively? He’s going to anchor our defence. 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.

“I’m excited to have Keanu back to improve us on both ends, while he’s also been an important part of what we’ve being doing recruitment-wise.”

Pinder joins McVeigh, Smith, Dech, Kyrin Galloway, Shaun Bruce and Next Star Luke Paul; with five spots on the 2026-27 Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans’ roster remaining.