Taipans off-season action - April 2025

A number of Taipans have re-signed and will return in orange later this year. In the meantime, find out what they've been up to as the off-season continues!

Former development players Alex Higgins-Titsha and Kody Stattmann won't be far away, as they will remain in Cairns and suit up for the Marlins in the NBL1 North, ahead of being elevated to the full-time Taipans roster. 

Reaching highs of 43 points and 16 rebounds in 2024, Stattmann will return for his third campaign with the Marlins and his fourth in the NBL1, whilst Higgins-Titsha will make his debut in the conference after previously only playing with the Inner West Bulls in the NBL1 East.

The duo will be led by Taipans assistant coach Kerry Williams, with their first game on Saturday 3 May before making their first appearance at the Fishtank on Saturday 17 May at 7:30pm AEST when they host Brisbane.

Spending the off-season in Puerto Rico alongside a host of other NBL players, Sam Waardenburg has made a major impact for the Indios Mayaguez in the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN).

Lining up alongside Tyrell Harrison and Milton Doyle, the trio have led their side with at least two of them in the top three for every stat category for Mayagüez.

Averaging 0.7 blocks per game, the New Zealander is ranked first in his team and seventh in the league, while also averaging 13.8 points, 6.8 rebounds, 2.1 assists and 0.8 steals per outing.

With 13 games under their belt and 21 left to play, Mayagüez currently sit first in their conference with a top four finish required to get them through to the quarter finals.

After sustaining a nose injury last month, Kyrin Galloway quickly returned to the court to help the Iwate Big Bulls in their quest to earn promotion back into Japan’s second division.

Playing reduced minutes since the injury, the forward has still played a key role for the side with Iwate holding home court advantage in the quarter finals when they host the Gifu Swoops this weekend.

Last reaching the playoffs in 2023 when they earnt a promotion to the B2 League, the Big Bulls could also claim their second title in three years.

After claiming bronze at the inaugural FIBA 3x3 Champions Cup, Alex Higgins-Titsha returned to the half court in Singapore for the 3x3 Asia Cup with Adam Forde once more leading the young side.

Backing up his Team of the Tournament performance in Bangkok by leading the Gangurru’s scoring, Higgins-Titsha was joined by former-Taipans Dillon Stith and Jonah Antonio again to win Gold for Australia (and Fordey) at the competition. 

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