Skytrans Cairns Taipans head coach Aaron Fearne congratulated rookie Clint Steindl on his surprise NBL All-Star Game call-up.

The rookie sharpshooter was yesterday named in the North All-Stars team as a reserve, after last week claiming a spot in the All-Star Three-Point Shootout.

Fearne said the selection, while unexpected, was an opportunity for Steindl to show the nation what he’s capable of.

“Clint should be proud of being selected. He works really hard—as do all the guys here—but he’s come in here as a rookie and worked his tail off,” Fearne said.

“He shoots it a 40-plus percentage, and if you can do that as a three-point shooter you’re legit. Teams are definitely fairly concerned when he steps onto the floor because he can really come out and bust a game open,” he said.

While thrilled for Steindl, Fearne also acknowledged that there were players around the league he expected would have been selected ahead of the rookie.

“Clint and I talked about this, and we agreed that there were some other guys around the league who could feel like they missed out this time around,” Fearne said.

“That’s nothing against what Clint has done this season—he’s been good off the bench and shoots the ball at a good percentage—but we expected someone like Glen Saville (Wollongong) or Todd Blanchfield (Townsville) would have got the All-Star nod this season.”

“But you have to take your opportunities as they come, so we’ve encouraged Clint to be aggressive and showcase his talents at the All-Star game.”

Joining Steindl at the All-Star game is teammate Cameron Tragardh, who will start for the North All-Stars after leading fan voting across the league.

The NBL All-Star Game returns to the NBL for the first time since 2007. The North All-Stars will take on the South All-Stars at Adelaide Arena on Saturday 22 December.

For more information on the NBL All-Star Game, visit www.nblallstars.com.au.