Taipans coach call imminent

The race to become the new Cairns Taipans head coach is reaching the pointy end. Interviews were conducted this week while other candidates were informed they were unsuccessful in securing an interview. Former NBL coach of the Year Shawn Dennis (above) — who is currently coaching in Japan with the Shiga Lakestars — is still considered by most to be the leading contender to become the club’s new coach.

THE race to become the new Cairns Taipans head coach is reaching the pointy end, with interviews conducted this week while other candidates were informed they were unsuccessful in securing an interview.

The application process to be the new Taipans coach closed last Wednesday with a number of interviews already conducted with current NBL assistants from numerous clubs.

An NBL assistant was interviewed by Taipans CEO Mark Beecroft and president Troy Stone for 90 minutes but “did not get a great vibe” about his prospects of replacing Aaron Fearne.

Former NBL Coach of the Year Shawn Dennis – who is currently coaching in Japan with the Shiga Lakestars – is still considered by most the leading contender to become the club’s new coach.

A European-based American coach, who applied for the position, was notified he was unsuccessful in securing an interview on Wednesday afternoon.

The coach was notified via email from Jodii Maguire, the Taipans’ club psychologist, who doubles as a director of Think Performance, a consulting firm the club has engaged to find the right person to lead them into the future.

“The board and management of the Cairns Taipans were overwhelmed by the interest in the role and impressed with the very high standard of applications for this position,” Maguire said in the email.

“Unfortunately you have been unsuccessful in securing an interview for this role on this occasion.

“Due to the number of quality applicants, we had to assess candidates’ applications against a very strict and specific criteria that the board and management had identified as critical to the role and the club’s future direction and needs.

“We do appreciate the time and effort that goes into preparing an application for such a role and we thank you for your effort and interest in the role.”

Stone was contacted for comment.

Meanwhile, the Cairns Marlins have signed promising big man Fabijan Krslovic for the 2018 QBL season.