Cairns Taipans college recruit Corey Maynard is duplicitous and assistant coach Mick Downer means that in the nicest possible way.

The latests Snakes' signing capped off an impressive college career at the Bryant University Bulldogs, playing both point guard and shooting guard throughout his four seasons in Rhode Island. 

Downer said Maynard's versatility makes him an ideal running partner to be paired with fellow guard Cam Gliddon this season.

"Cam is a bit of a chameleon and Corey's a bit like that too," he said.  

"Corey will probably lean more towards being a creative ball-carrier for us so they're well-suited to each other's games.

"It's about trying to get the right balance with one playing more as a free flowing scorer."

Downer coached Maynard in 2011 at the World University Games in China and was impressed with the 191-centimetre swingman's mental toughness.

"He was at a school that got their butts kicked week-in, week-out for two years," he said of the Bulldogs.

"Back then, he was still highly sought after [by NBL clubs]. 

"He'd just finished two years of college and that's sort of the crossroads sometimes for kids.

"We didn't have a spot for him back then but definitely would have taken him if we could have."

More than half the league has been chasing Maynard's signature and securing the young Aussie for next season was a significant step towards completing the Snakes playing roster, Downer said.

Six players have now committed to the Taipans with two imports and two Australians still to be signed.  

With pre-season not starting until July, Downer said the team wouldn't be rushed but was negotiating with several players who donned the orange and blue last year. 

"We really like what Shaun Bruce has done for us as a club and then there's Clint [Steindl] and Matty Burston.

"Hopefully in the next week or two we can finalise someone else."

Maynard averaged 13.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.3 steals in his senior year for the Bryant University Bulldogs in the NCAA Division I Northeast Conference.