‘We’re Not Going to Splinter’: McVeigh Backs Taipans to Bounce Back

Despite their loss to the 36ers last round, McVeigh remains confident in the direction the Taipans are heading and believes the bond within the group will be key to long-term success.

“Off the court, it’s been amazing, we’ve got a great group of men,” McVeigh said. 

“We’re not going to splinter when challenges come. I’ve been on teams before that have broken halfway through the season.

“Adelaide came out and punched us in the face, but we get three more chances against them and we’ll be better. We’ve had some beautiful glimpses of basketball and some ugly ones. It just takes time, reps and practices together.”

With a new-look roster still building chemistry, McVeigh has embraced the new challenge and more playmaking responsibility.

“It’s been a new role for me,” he said. “Having the ball in my hands at the start of possessions throughout my whole career has never happened to me. I’m developing how to manage double teams, stay aggressive and still get my teammates involved. It’s been an awesome learning experience and I feel myself getting better every game.”

McVeigh’s playmaking duties are part of a shared growth across the board. Sharpshooter Reyne Smith has also been afforded more opportunity to facilitate plays for the side.

“In college, (Smith) didn’t have a lot of the ball in his hand, he was primarily a catch and shoot guard coming off screens. We’re all learning together.”

The arrival of experienced point guard Andrew Andrews has added balance.

“Andrew gives us that poise and calmness that a point guard has. For me, I’m (instinctively) thinking about scoring or making a play, but Andrew’s thinking about getting the team into the right action. That’s why we brought him in.”

While the team continues to gel on the court, there have been special moments off it with Jack sharing his NBL journey with younger brother Lloyd this season.

“We ride into practice everyday together, that hasn’t got old,” Jack smiled.  

“He gets on my nerves a little bit but we love him. It takes a lifetime of work to just step on an NBL court and he’s put the work in, made sacrifices and gets after it everyday. For him to get a bucket while I cheer him on from the bench, that’s what it’s all about.” 

And with another home game just around the corner, McVeigh is hoping to feed off the Cairns crowd again when the Snakes take on the Perth Wildcats this Friday night.

“I live and breathe playing in front of a home crowd,” he said. 

“The second game we didn’t give the crowd a lot to cheer for. But that first (home) game was rocking in a close knit contest. I got to knock shots down and the crowd responded. That’s what I’m here to bring and as long as they keep bringing the energy too, it’s going to be a fun season.”

Be there when the Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans hit the court to face the Wildcats on Friday night - grab your tickets HERE.