THE RE-SIGNING of Dean Brebner yesterday finalised the Taipans' list ahead of Saturday's NBL opening round reptile rumble with the Townsville Crocs.

It will bring to a conclusion one of the club’s most disjointed pre-seasons and be the introduction of four new faces in Snakes colours.

Injury concerns and recruiting issues have many pundits tipping the Taipans for the wooden spoon, but it is far too early to write any side off. So what have Cairns fans got to look forward to this season?

Will it be a season of doom and gloom, or is there hope on the horizon?

The Cairns Post takes a quick look at what we’ve got this season.

Alex Loughton #40 forward (co-captain) - Lingering effects of osteitis pubis have reduced him to a spectator this pre-season and it is yet to be determined just how effective he will be when he returns. The quality big man is essential to the Pans’ success though and is among the best in the league when he is firing. Expect the Taipans offence to rapidly improve when he returns, probably in round 3, 4 or 5.

Ian Crosswhite #9 centre (co-captain) - Injury has also hampered his pre-season, but not to the same extent as his co-captain. Crosswhite was named best defensive player last year and is good up the other end as well, proving a physical option under the basket and able to drag in a rebound or two. A real leader of the team.

Jamar Wilson #5 point guard - Still a relative unknown to Taipans fans, but rest assured this guy can play. He showed off a few tricks against the Gold Coast in his only home appearance to date last Friday. Wilson uses his speed and sublime skill at the basket and to get past his man. The New Yorker will fit in well here because he battles hard, puts his body on the line and loves a contest. Expect him to add the wow factor this season.

Drew Warren #24 shooting guard - In his first job out of college, the Indianapolis product is expected to provide some scoring punch from the perimeter. His shooting technique can only be described as mellifluous. Like any young import, though, it will take him time to find his feet, but with some incredible statistics under his belt from his time with the Bradley Braves expect Warren to find his radar soon.

Brad Hill #9 swingman - An exciting prospect from Adelaide, Hill has performed well above his career statistics since joining the Taipans. You can tell he has sniffed an opportunity to reignite his career with Cairns. A badly broken arm stopped his charge towards Australian colours five years ago, but he thinks he is some way back to his best now. Athletic, powerful, skilful and with a great three-point shot, Hill looks the goods.

Dusty Rychart #45 forward - Rychart has quietly gone about his business in the pre-season and looks in good shape to have another solid campaign. He is widely regarded as one of the best sixth men in the league. He has done a lot of work in the absence of Loughton and Crosswhite but enjoyed a rest in the team’s final game against Gold Coast.

Kerry Williams #1 point guard - Returning after a knee injury stopped him in his tracks last season, the local boy is looking trim, taut and terrific. He should get good time off the bench behind Wilson and Warren and give the Cairns fans a chance to cheer a genuine local product.

Jeff Dowdell #10 forward - Another Adelaide product and should be a more-than-handy addition to a side that is already blessed with talented bigs. Dowdell loves to prop and hook for two points, and showed he could shoot from three in the pre-season as well. Another one of those guys who enjoys a tough contest.

Aaron Grabau #8 swingman - Foundation player and enforcer off the bench, Grabau looks revitalised after what was a long season. His pre-season form has been good, and it is obvious there is still plenty of fire in the belly. The club legend and resident male model has already had his jersey retired and you can always count on him getting the biggest cheer on game night.

 

Deba George #3 guard - Another local back in the fray after being on the edges of the squad since 2005. An amazing season with Mackay in the Queensland Basketball League, which ended in him being crowned finals MVP, was enough to convince the hierarchy he should be back. Watch as he tries to take Townsville apart on Saturday night with a combination of long bombs and athletic drives to the basket.