Taipans’ imports start with ‘respect’
BASKETBALL IT WAS only a small gesture from the Taipans’ new imports but veteran forward Alex Loughton took it as a sign they mean business for the upcoming NBL season.
The squad’s elder statesman was greeted with an “Australian handshake” by the American trio late last week.
In orange since 2010, the 35-year-old was pleased with the first impression Devon Hall, DJ Newbill and Melo Trimble made on the new-look Snakes squad.
“When they came into the locker room for the first time, the guys actually shook my hand – they did not do the American thing they do, the high five and then the grab of the shoulders,” Loughton said.
“They wanted to be respectful to us guys who are already here and do the Australian custom of our handshake.
“They will soon relax and they will realise most of us have been to American colleges and then they can give us the ‘what’s up’ greeting too.
“They were on the front foot and being respectful and while it was just a small gesture, you can see these guys are here and ready to improve our squad.”
The power forward was the Taipans’ representative as the NBL, in collaboration with apparel brand First Ever, unveiled the new team jerseys for the 2018-19 season in Sydney.
“It is a new-look Taipans with a new-look uniform and a new-look brand for the league,” Loughton said.
“I like the look of the uniform for the season and it is exciting that the momentum is building for the season.”
The club’s pre-season continues this Friday when they play Brisbane in Rockhampton.