Mitch tipped to be too expensive for Taipans

A NORTH Queensland basketball administrator believes the Cairns Taipans will not have enough cash to keep emerging star Mitch McCarron beyond the 2017-18 season.

The Australian Boomer is one of several Snakes who are out of contract in the coming weeks and has been a shining light for Cairns this season despite the club missing out on the playoffs. The 25-year-old has contributed 11 points, seven rebounds and three asWHEN sists every game and would become a key piece of the club’s future if he were to recommit to a long-term deal.

Former Townsville Crocodiles centre Greg Vanderjagt, who racked up 243 NBL games after debuting for Townsville in the 2003-04 season, said the Taipans would struggle to keep McCarron away from the clutches of the rich NBL clubs down south.

“I do not think Cairns will have enough money to keep McCarron,” Vanderjagt said.

“He would have to take a hit to stay in Cairns for what kind of dollars that will be on the table for him after the season he has had.”

Speaking on The Long & Short podcast, Vanderjagt, who is the Townsville Basketball general manager, declared the Brisbane Bullets a potential landing spot for the Metro State graduate.

“Imagine a starting group of (Travis) Trice and McCarron,” he said. “That is really nice.”

McCarron went to high school in Brisbane and played with local clubs Brisbane Capitals and Northside Wizards. He signed a two-year contract with the Taipans two seasons ago.

Meanwhile, the Townsville Heat have signed import Justin Baker for next season as the squad build towards their QBL title defence.

HE WOULD HAVE TO TAKE A HIT TO STAY IN CAIRNS FOR WHAT KIND OF DOLLARS THAT WILL BE ON THE TABLE FOR HIM AFTER THE SEASON HE HAS HAD