Schofield, Taipans target sharper execution: ‘That loss is not who we are’

Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans import Admiral Schofield has delivered a defiant message ahead of Saturday’s clash with Adelaide, as the Snakes prepare to face the 36ers at the Cairns Convention Centre on Saturday night.

“That loss is not who we are and it’s not what we represent,” Schofield said. 

“It looks like no effort, but this team has been going through a lot that people don’t see. The toughness we show every day in training hasn’t come forth in games, but the process is the same. We’ll keep working hard and make the right adjustments.”

Following a narrow loss in the dying seconds to the Perth Wildcats last Friday and a 35 point loss to the undefeated Melbourne United, the Taipans head into round 5 with a 2-4 record. 

Former NBA forward Schofield said the group remains united as they search for consistency.

“It’s early in the season and this is a group that’s still learning from each other,” he said. 

“A lot of teams we’ve faced have been together for a year or more. We’ve shown flashes where we’ve been really good, now it’s about being consistent and efficient.”

For Schofield, the key lies in better ball movement, improved floor spacing and smarter shot creation.

“Reality is we’ve been in a shooting slump,” Schofield said. 

“We haven’t made the shots we know we can make, but we also have to create easier looks for each other. It’s really about shot selection and creating efficient opportunities — that’s something we’re fixing.”

“Reyne (Smith) is a great shooter, that’s why we signed him and we’re not getting him great looks and that’s our fault as teammates.” 

Schofield, who will shift to the 4 in Australian Boomer Jack McVeigh’s absence, said he has put his tough shooting night against Melbourne United behind him.  

“Personally, I’m not worried about myself, I’m going to be fine,” he said.

“I hear the talk about imports this, imports that. I’m a very tough minded player. I’ll get better every game. I had a bad game (against Melbourne United), it happens, I was dealing with a lot off the floor with my family. But for me that’s not who I am, that's not what I come out and bring to this team or produce every game. It’s a normal adjustment for me, but for the team, it’s really about consistency, work in practice and honing in on those finer details.”

With the Snakes returning home, Schofield said the team feels the city’s support and responsibility to respond. 

“It’s about playing harder for this city,” he said. “Those losses don’t represent who we are — and we’re ready to show that.”

The Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans host Adelaide at the Cairns Convention Centre on Saturday from 4.30pm AEST.