Guard Hall’s signing completes Kelly’s roster
OKLAHOMA CITY Thunder draft pick Devon Hall has signed with the Cairns Taipans for the upcoming NBL season.
The shooting guard was selected by the Thunder in the second round of the 2018 NBA Draft and played five games at the 2018 NBA Summer League.
He has opted to start his career in Australia, instead of remaining with the NBA club.
“When we were looking to complete our team with a perimeter guy, we wanted someone who could shoot, defend and create. Devon has shown in his time with Virginia, and in the Summer League, that he can do all these things at a very high level,” Taipans coach Mike Kelly said.
“Sometimes as a coach, you have to trade off shooting accuracy for the ability to defend, or get to the basket. But with Devon, we won’t have to do that – he shoots at 43 per cent from three. No trade-offs with him.
“I’ve found him to be confident, but at the same time very humble, and hardworking. He has worked very hard to go from being an impressive college player, to an NBA Draft Pick. There is a long way between those two points.”
Cairns joins Perth, Melbourne and Sydney who have previously attracted NBA draftees.
Hall, 23, spent five years at the University of Virginia under Tony Bennett. As a senior, Hall averaged 11.7 points, 4.2 rebounds and 3.1 assists, shooting at 44.3 per cent from three for the Cavaliers, on a team that won the ACC regular season (30-2 record) and the No.1 overall seed in the 2018 NCAA tournament.
The club will play preseason games later this month against two American colleges, Loyola Marymount and Drexel.
Drexel will play the Taipans on August 23 at the Fish Tank.
The Taipans have completed their roster with Nate Jawai, Kuany Kuany, Alex Loughton, Dexter Kernich-Drew, DJ Newbill, Rob Loe, Jarrod Kenny, Mitch Young and Lucas Walker joining imports Hall and Melo Trimble.