Welcome to my column that will give you, the reader, an insight into the happenings surrounding the Cairns Taipans and basketball in general.

In the weeks to come we will have tickets to give away to the Snakes home games, video footage, interviews, website links and some candid moments from behind the scenes.

Last season the Taipans proved to be the best team in Australia, only missing their inaugural NBL championship due to the NZ breakers having a home court advantage.

This year the Taipans have had to recruit two new imports and have added some height to their roster. Let’s have a look at the team:

Deba George - a Thursday Islander that has been around the Taipans since 2000, he may be small at 183cm but going back four years he won the NBL slam dunk competition.

Jamar Wilson - an import from the Bronx, a point guard that in 2006 was the American East Conference player of the year.

Andrew Warren - the second import from Indiana, Drewy is a shooting guard he shoots at 86% from the stripe and a bit over 40% from outside.

Jeffery Dowdell - a young forward standing at 205cm. In 2005 he was recruited by Perth at age of 17 and won their most improved in 2006.

Brad Hill - is an exciting athlete standing at 198cm. He is now at his fourth club and will bring a wealth of experience to the team.

Ian Crosswhite - is a giant at 210cm and tipping the scales at a tad over 110kg. He is in his third year in Cairns and is one of the premier big men in the competition.

Aaron Grabau - has won the club and league best defensive player on more than one occasion. A founding player at the club is the glue that will keep this team together.

Alex Loughton - has played overseas in Spain and is on a three year contract with the Snakes. A versatile player at 206cm he commands respect every time he takes to the court.

Dusty Rychart - is nicknamed the "Junk Man" as he is always in the right place to clean up a messy situation. Originally an import from the States, Dusty is now an Aussie and a valuable player in any team.

Kerry Williams - might just become the most exciting player to hit the NBL for years. Last year he was riddled with injuries and at his best this point guard is almost unstoppable.

The NBL kicks off this weekend with Cairns at home at the Cairns Convention Centre to their arch rivals the Townsville Crocs.

There is a true sporting rivalry between these two teams; aptly named the "Reptile Rumble", North Queensland bragging rights are up for grabs.

To get tickets jump on the Taipans website and to keep up to date with the rest of the league jump on the NBL website.

As big Kev would say “I’M EXCITED.”

Catch you on the rebound.

Double Oh 

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