Stattmann: 'Put on a show' in Taipans’ Home Finale

Cairns local Kody Stattmann says the Taipans are determined to finish the season with momentum, as they prepare for their final home game of the campaign against Melbourne United this Thursday night at the Cairns Convention Centre.

Fresh off an uplifting 81-72 win over the Brisbane Bullets, the dangerous guard believes the group has plenty to play for as the regular season winds down.

“We’re coming off a great win against Brisbane so the boys are pretty pumped. It’s our last home game. Hopefully we can put on a show for the home crowd,” Stattmann said.

For Stattmann, the home finale carries extra meaning. A product of Cairns who grew up watching the Taipans, he said playing in front of family and friends remains a pinch-yourself moment.

“A lot of my friends and family come along for the home games,” he said. 

“It’s always special to play here. I always wanted to play here growing up and watching the Taipans. Getting to play at the Cairns Convention Centre in front of my family and friends is really special for me.”

With increased minutes and opportunity this season, Stattmann is making the most of it at both ends.

“Fordey has given me more opportunity, just taking it on as well as I can,” he said.

“Being aggressive on both ends of the floor while I’m out there and trying to help the team as much as I can to win. I’m enjoying it.”

That confidence has shown in recent weeks, highlighted by his career best 18 points in the win against Tasmania in Round 19, including seven points in overtime.

The 25-year-old backed it up with a 15 point burst off the bench against Brisbane on Sunday night.

Stattmann also credited the influence of Australian Boomer and former Houston Rocket Jack McVeigh, with the pair continuing to build chemistry.

“Playing with Jack has helped a lot, I used to read a lot of his stuff about the mental side of basketball while I was at college and my first few years as a pro,” he said.

“Having him here and sharing the floor with him has been really good. Obviously I learn a lot from someone like him who’s had the career he’s had so far. Playing with him has been really good for me and a lot of the other guys as well.”

Sharpshooter Reyne Smith returned to the side against the Bullets on Sunday night for his first game since round 7.

The return of the Tasmanian adds valuable spacing, extra ball handling and another scoring threat in the guard rotation.

Portland playmaker Andrew Andrews sits second in the league at 7.6 assists per game, narrowly behind Adelaide superstar Bryce Cotton at 7.7 as the race heats up for assist leader for the season.

The floor general dished a season-high 13 assists in Cairns’ most recent meeting with United.

This week’s matchup looms as a tough test against Melbourne’s perimeter stoppers, including rising Next Star Dash Daniels and two time NBL Best Defensive Player Shea Ili, who has returned from a hamstring injury but is expected to remain on managed minutes.

Adding another layer, McVeigh will also cross paths with former championship teammate Milton Doyle, with the pair part of Tasmania’s title winning JackJumpers in 2024.

‍The Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans take on Melbourne United on Thursday, February 12 at 6:30pm. Grab your tickets HERE