TAIPANS SECURE SWEDISH SENSATION

The CQUniversity Cairns Taipans have secured another future NBA talent in their line-up, with BOBI KLINTMAN joining the team in addition to the 11-man roster. The young Swedish sensation has been described as “everything NBA teams are looking for in a future-facing prospect” but will suit up in orange as a ‘Next Star’ before entering the 2024 NBA Draft.

The talented 6’10” wing last played for Wake Forest University in the NCAA’s Atlantic Coast Conference, where he demonstrated the versatile skillset that has NBA front offices excited about his potential.

Across the final 11 games of his freshman season, Klintman averaged 8.5 points, 7.2 rebounds and 1.4 blocks per game while shooting 45 percent from the field, 41 percent from three and 75 percent from the free throw line. 

Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde compared Klintman’s forecasted adaption to former University of Miami standout Sam Waardenburg, who became the inaugural recipient of the NBL’s Next Generation Award earlier this year.

“I have a lot of confidence in Bobi to come in and make a big contribution straight away,” Forde said.

“Having spent a year in the ACC is a great conditioner for playing in the NBL. Much like Sam last season, the transition for Bobi to adjust to the physicality and playing style of our league will be a quick one,” Forde said.

“Bobi fits my current obsession for tall athletic wings who you can plug-and-play. He is the NBA prototype for today’s game, a 6-foot-10 hooper with a 7-foot wingspan that defends one-through-five. He can push the break, shoot the three and find effective ways to score on and off the ball.”

Klintman was born in Malmo, Sweden, and moved to the United States in 2021 to play at basketball powerhouse Sunrise Christian Academy.

He represented Sweden in the U20 European Championships last year where he helped them to a 6-1 record and led in every major category, averaging 16 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and over 2 steals per game.

The talented forward has continued to improve his NBA prospects by showcasing his versatility as a two-way wing with excellent playmaking and ball-handling abilities.   

It was those flashes of well-rounded production that have had NBA Draft analysts gushing over his potential ever since, with Coach Forde explaining how the Taipans could help his development.

“The recruiting process was fun with Bobi. We painted the picture of exactly what his role would look like based off the examples from last season. The style of play suits him and provides him the opportunities to show case his talent and boost his draft stock,” he explained.

“He brings so many intangibles and further adds to the depth in our line-up. The possibilities to create mismatch problems becomes an exciting venture for my staff and I to explore.”

The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie recently described Klintman as “everything NBA teams are looking for,” as the 20-year-old is already being touted as a first-round pick in the 2024 NBA Draft. 

“You can find 6-foot-10 shooters,” Vecenie explained. 

“But you can’t find 6-foot-10 shooters who have also showcased the ability to handle the ball and pass at the level Klintman has shown… he epitomises the direction of the NBA as it searches for players with size and skill.”

The Taipans still have three remaining positions on their 2023-24 roster.