Taipans retain Sam Waardenburg

The CQUniversity Cairns Taipans announce they have re-signed Sam Waardenburg to a new one-year contract, and he will return for the 2024-25 NBL season. The talented 6’10” forward was recruited by the Taipans from the University of Miami on a two-year deal back in June 2022, which has been extended for a third season.

The New Zealander was a top priority when first signed by the club out of college, where he had 8.5 points and 4.3 rebounds a game as a sixth year redshirt senior, shooting at 41.8 per cent from three and 52.8 per cent from the field.

Waardenburg’s impact was immediate, winning the NBL’s inaugural Next Generation Award (which replaced the league’s Rookie of the Year honour) as well as reaching the semi-finals, averaging 11.3 points, 5.6 rebounds and shooting 53 per cent from the field.

The 25-year-old struggled with injury throughout his 2023-24 campaign, missing five games but still managing 9.7 points, 5.2 rebounds and improving to 1.8 assists. He also had a career-high 14 rebounds against South East Melbourne in October before the Taipans’ pre-season trip, where he scored 15 points against the Toronto Raptors and impressed on the NBA floor.

Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde said that Waardenburg and the club agreed to an extension during the 2023 NBA Summer League – almost a year ago – revealing a long-term commitment from both parties. With the contract finalised ahead of the free agency period next week, Forde said Waardenburg will be a core player in his new roster.

“It was especially important for me to retain Sam for next season - he sees the game at such an elite level. To have a stretch big making plays like a point guard allows us to add and explore unique opportunities on the floor,” said Forde.

“There were obviously a lot of ups and downs last season, but Sam provided stable leadership in the locker room. That will only develop and grow, and we expect him to continue to lead the team both on and off the court.”

The Taipans free agency list will be available April 15, 2024. Memberships are on sale now!