Taipans announce development players

The CQUniversity Cairns Taipans have completed their roster and added two familiar faces to the team as development players, with Alex Mudronja and Kian Dennis both jumping at the chance to be mentored by the NBL’s Coach of the Year Adam Forde. 
 
Mudronja graduated from the Centre of Excellence and played one college season with the Saint Mary’s Gaels, before committing to a three-year contract with his hometown team Adelaide. He originally joined as a development player before being elevated to the 36ers roster.
 
The 196cm guard was released for the final year of his contract so he could seek further playing opportunities, securing a new three-year deal with Illawarra in 2021.
 
Last season, Mudronja played 22 games for the Hawks and is signed under the updated NBL rule which stipulates any non-restricted player under the age of 25 can be signed to a development player contract.  
 
Meanwhile Dennis joins the Taipans for his second development player opportunity, after first joining the Brisbane Bullets as a DP in the 2019-20 NBL season. 
 
The 197cm forward has since suited up in the NBL1, most recently for the Southern Districts Spartans alongside Mudronja and new Taipans forward AK Gak.
 
He averaged 10 points, 5.7 rebounds and 2.6 assists, with a season-high 15 points against the Cairns Marlins in May. 
 
The 22-year-old has also previously played for the Red City Roar, Keilor Thunder and spent time training with Melbourne United last year. 
 
The CQUniversity Cairns Taipans’ 2023-24 season begins in New Zealand on Saturday 30 September.