Import told to ‘keep it cool’
Taipans coach Aaron Fearne expects rival NBL teams “are going to come after” fiery Cairns import Michael Carrera after he was ejected from Saturday night’s preseason win over Perth. The Venezuelan recorded three unsportsmanlike fouls and one technical over the two games, resulting in an early shower on Saturday night after 20 minutes on court. Fearne believes his import was unfairly treated but will speak to him about his emotions.
TAIPANS coach Aaron Fearne expects rival NBL teams “are going to come after” fiery Cairns import Michael Carrera after he was ejected from Saturday night’s preseason win over Perth.
The Taipans split their series against the Wildcats, dropping the first game on Thursday night, before bouncing back strongly in game two, recording a comfortable victory, 98-80.
The Snakes’ two new imports were the focus of the second game for contrasting reasons, with floor general Scoochie Smith playing his best game in orange after an ankle concern, while Carrera continued to catch the eye of the referees.
Smith appeared to glide up the court at times, such was his calmness with the ball in hand, as he contributed 11 points and nine assists in just over 21 minutes on court.
Carrera was equally as impressive offensively but he could not control his emotions in both games against the Wildcats.
The Venezuelan recorded three unsportsmanlike fouls and one technical over the two games, resulting in an early shower on Saturday night after 20 minutes on court.
Carrera was given an unsportsmanlike foul in the second term before being ejected after he and Wildcats skipper Damian Martin scuffled under the basket in the third quarter.
Fearne believes his import was unfairly treated on a few calls but will speak to Carrera about using his emotion differently come the season proper.
“We want him to play with that physicality and emotion, just the emotion being channelled in the right direction,” Fearne said.
“I thought he got hard done by a couple (of calls).
“But, you know, they are going to come after him because he is a competitor, like other guys in the league that you can get after too.
“We will look at them with him over the next couple of weeks about these two games.
“We will get him to improve in that area.”
Carrera joins Daniel Kickert and Michael Holyfield as players who have been tossed from NBL preseason games in the last two seasons involving the Taipans.
Smith hit two early threes, as well as handing out seven assists in the first half alone .
Fearne said an early matchup with star pair Bryce Cotton and Martin will serve him well.
“It was always going to take a while for him to find the pace of the game and how we want to play,” Fearne said.
“He is talented, he is young and will have his ups and downs but it was fantastic for him to play against Bryce and Damian.”
Nate Jawai continued his comeback from injury rehab, looking comfortable with eight first half points.
Skipper Cameron Gliddon was efficient, hitting four of five from deep, to finish with 19 points.
The Snakes do not have another preseason game before Round 1 of the new season next month.
They’ll play the Illawarra Hawks at the Cairns Convention Centre.