Williams and Gruggen to lead Taipans

CQUniversity Cairns Taipans assistant Kerry Williams will assume head coaching duties tonight, for the Round 14 game in Brisbane against the Bullets.

Williams recently assisted the Australian Boomers in the FIBA World Cup Qualifiers and took the Cairns Marlins to the NBL1 North semi-finals during the off-season.

It will be a collective effort to replace Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde, who is unwell and unable to attend tonight’s game.

Assistant Sam Gruggen adds to the depth of the Cairns coaching line-up.

He was also part of an international campaign prior to this NBL season, helping the Australian Crocs win the 2022 FIBA U16 Asian Championship before coaching at the U17 Basketball World Cup.   

As demonstrated during the pre-season, Taipans guard Tahjere McCall will continue his own coaching development tonight, accepting leadership responsibilities with the playing group on the floor.

The Taipans play the Bullets at Nissan Arena, 6:30pm AEST. The game will be live on ESPN.