After dropping two in a row at home, Taipans coach Aaron Fearne would not be happy - “I’m pleased with our progress" is something he would not have said!

Basketball is a game of peaks and valleys, highs and lows, and ups and downs. Some of the greatest championships ever won have been from clubs who have started miserably, made some wholesale changes, and got it right come money time.

Cairns are 50 per cent with two wins from four starts, putting them in fourth spot - not a cause for panic stations yet, though a loss on Friday night against the Kings in Sydney could make things very interesting!

The absence of Cam Gliddon over the past two games has been an obvious factor, but isn’t that why we recruited more depth? Championship calibre teams are not one-trick ponies, and Cairns right now are looking vulnerable!

Yes, Gliddon is missed for his offence production, but more importantly, he could have slowed up Chris Goulding who tore us a new one Saturday night.

Goulding's 34 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists were a nice night in the office; he had his way with way too much ease. Gliddon is an excellent defender who would not have let this happen (nor would Aaron Grabau, but how can he help now?).

Goulding and Gliddon are ironically both in the hunt for a spot on the Boomers bench and right now, the Melbourne Tiger is the front runner. I doubt both will get the nod! My point is, someone else needs to step up!

Stevie Weigh needs to get going. I know this kid can play and right now he looks like he’s still in Adelaide with nothing half-decent on offer. What gets you going mate? Find it!!

This season will shape itself over the next month with wins, losses and splits, and I can tell you right now there will be a logjam for third and fourth spots on the ladder. Winning against Sydney this round is crucial! It will also get the season back on track and instil some much needed confidence into the playing group. "We need to win Friday in Sydney" is something Fearney would have said!!

Ex-Bulleen, North Melbourne and Australian coach Brett Brown has started life as an NBA coach with the Philadelphia 76ers in true style.

He went three wins from three starts, which included knocking off Miami (who have the best player in the world – Lebron James)! Throw in Chicago & Detroit and it’s like, "Wow, this fella can really coach!"

My spies tell me (gotta love those spies) that Philly are tanking this year in order to grab Andrew Wiggins in the draft next season - a freakishly gifted athlete with a remarkably smooth offensive game. If Brett keeps winning however, they will lose the chance to secure this franchise player. Imagine Mr. Brown getting the chop for winning too many games? It’s possible but only in America!

"Fellas, fellas, there’s peaks and valleys but the game is there to be won!" is something Brett Brown would definitely have said! Love your work BB, you’ve certainly backed it up!

Round 5:

• Kings vs Taipans: Must win for both clubs – I reckon Sydney will smell blood, by 5
• 36ers vs Tigers: I like Adelaide this year but Melbourne are tough also. 36ers by 10
• Crocs vs NZ: PC back will inspire TV, by 7
• Tigers vs Gong: Tigers in a thriller, by 3 in OT!