Up there with best
VICE-CAPTAIN Stephen Weigh does not need to be reminded about these statistics.
His Snakes, alongside perennial NBL championship contenders Perth Wildcats and New Zealand Breakers, have had basically the same winning percentage over the last three seasons.
The Wildcats and Breakers have won 49 games over the past three campaigns, at a winning percentage of 58, with the Snakes and Adelaide 36ers just one back with 48 wins at 57 per cent.
The only difference is the Wildcats are twice defending champions while the Breakers were the last champions before Perth and Weigh says the Snakes need to do the same to justify their recent win-loss record.
“We are tied with wins across the league over the last few years, right up there with Perth and Adelaide,” he said.
“That is a pretty great achievement.
“But the one thing we are missing is a championship.”
Weigh expects to play more power forward this season after spending ample time in the painted area during the winter with the Cairns Marlins.
The vice-captain and Mitch McCarron will also be called upon to carry more of an offensive load in the opening month of the campaign with import Michael Carrera out following knee surgery.
Weigh, who has been with the Far North club since July 2013, believes the 2017-18 squad is the tightest-knit group he has been around in his time with the Taipans.
“Just on what I have seen from this group so far, they are such an unselfish group of guys and we have gelled so well off the floor compared to previous years,” the 30-year-old said.
“I would say this is the best group I have been around in terms of the culture and all those pieces coming together.
“We have done a great job from our preseason cultural aspects, making sure everyone’s roles are defined.
“Guys need to come out, play their role, and if you provide more than that, then it is a plus.
“We are very hopeful but like I said, it is early days.”
The Snakes open their new season at home on Friday night against Illawarra.
The Hawks most recently knocked over the Brisbane Bullets twice in their preseason series.