Taipans announce new development players

The Cairns Taipans’ open gym day has led to further signings, with the club pleased to announce the recruitment of guard Kody Stattmann and forward Alex Higgins-Titsha as development players for the 2024-25 NBL season. 

Following stints in Brisbane and South East Melbourne, Stattmann is returning home to Cairns on a two-year deal, initially as a development player before being elevated to the roster in 2025. He will line-up alongside the NBL1 East standout Higgins-Titsha, who also signs a two-year contract (second year club option) for his first NBL opportunity. 

“Having both Kody and Alex adds to some talented depth in our wing positions,” explained Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde. 

“Kody already has two years’ experience and has a good understanding of the league, while Alex is a hungry rookie with all the athleticism and drive to be an NBL player.” 

Born and raised in Cairns, Stattmann grew up playing for Cairns Basketball where he worked his way into the Cairns Marlins rotation at the age of 17, recording 16 points and five rebounds in only his third game. 

In 2018, Stattmann attended the University of Virginia and played for the Cavaliers, becoming the first Australian to win the NCAA Championship in his freshman year. He continued to play a strong role off the bench throughout his college career, before returning to the Marlins in 2022. 

The 202cm guard joined the Brisbane Bullets in 2022-23, and signed with the South East Melbourne Phoenix as a development player in 2023-24. After waiting until late in the season for an opportunity, he registered over 10 minutes per game in eight of nine of the Phoenix’s final games, during which he recorded his best NBL performance of 16 points and six rebounds. 

Higgins-Titsha joins the Taipans for his NBL debut, after starting his basketball journey in the Waratah Youth Division 2 in 2018. The Sydneysider immediately made his mark by averaging 22 points per game and was promoted mid-season to the Waratah Youth Division 1. 

Higgins-Titsha studied at University of Technology Sydney where he played in the UniSport University Basketball League, winning the UniSport Nationals 3x3 Championship in 2021. Throughout his three seasons, he was the top scorer for three consecutive years and made the Grand Final every season. He had a standout performance of 34 points and 21 rebounds in 2022.  

Since 2022, the 198cm forward has been playing in the NBL1 East for the Inner West Bulls and also appeared for the Bangui Sporting Club of the Basketball Africa League during their 2023-24 season. 

Both Stattmann and Higgins-Titsha participated in the Taipans “open gym” last month, competing in the gruelling eight-hour day to make a lasting impression on Coach Forde. 

“Both these guys showcased their strengths during our open trial,” said Forde. 

“As the day progressed on and fatigue started playing a part in the player's performance, these two kicked it into another gear. 

“Kody showed his ability to knock down from range and engage in the defensive contest, while Alex consumed every rebound available and even finished the eight-hour day with a two-handed reverse dunk.” 

Stattmann is currently wrapping up a very successful season with the Marlins, averaging 27.5 points and 6.4 rebounds per game, with seven 30+ point games and multiple Player of the Week awards. 

Meanwhile, Higgins-Titsha is having his best season in the NBL1, averaging 19.9 points and 8.7 rebounds with the Inner West Bulls who are poised to make the Finals.