GRABAU’S HONOUR
Taipans legend recognised with formal jersey retirement
THE memories are still fresh for Cairns Taipans’ inaugural shooting guard Aaron Grabau – but some are fresher than others.
“The first game here when we beat Sydney Kings, that was a good game and I think I got my first dunk,” he said.
“And probably the Ron Dorsey shot that put us in the finals that year (2010–11 NBL season) against New Zealand.”
Grabau holds a special place in the hearts of the Orange Army, who watched his sheer athleticism and trademark physicality help him score 2874 points – the second-most in the club’s history – over a club-record 405 games.
It’s fitting given the atmosphere inside the Cairns Convention Centre yesterday afternoon, where Grabau returned to make another memory. The 41-year-old, who retired from the NBL after the 2012/13 season, had his No.8 jersey retired before the Taipans game against Adelaide.
Flanked by Taipans CEO Mark Beecroft, his family, friends and former teammates, Grabau stood on court as the jersey he used to wear was lifted into the rafters in front of what was a strong crowd for a Sunday afternoon.
While his jersey was previously retired by the Taipans’ former administration, current management deemed the timing and manner of the acknowledgment not to be in line with sporting traditions or the club’s values.
Grabau said it was an honour to be the first Cairns player to have his number retired – and to have it done right.
“Just the way it happened the first time, it wasn’t properly done and (Taipans CEO Mark Beecroft) just wanted to do it the formal and proper way it should have been done,” he said. “It’s been a long time coming.” He admitted his initial jersey retirement was “a bit of a blur”.
“I got pulled into the office and they said they were going to retire my singlet and I was like ‘is that a message to say what’s going to happen after the season?’,” he said.
“It was a bit of a shock. “I think the way they’re doing it now is a lot better and the way it should be done.”
Grabau holds a special place in NBL history as the only player to play in the Taipans inaugural game in 1999, as well as the Taipans’ first finals game in 2011.
As well as holding the record for all-time games as the Taipans most-capped player and being second in all-time points scored, Grabau also holds club records for total rebounds (1206) and steals (347).
THE Cairns Taipans will have to overcome a short turnaround ahead of their Boxing Day showdown with Melbourne United after slithering back into the top four with a big win over Adelaide.
The Taipans had dropped their last two NBL contests leading into their clash with the 36ers but stars DJ Newbill and Cameron Oliver got their season right back on track with a 94-86 victory.
Captain Newbill backed up his 30-point performance against South East Melbourne in Round 11 with 26 points, including four triples, while Oliver was a beast on the boards, finishing with 14 total rebounds, 11 on the defensive end.
After an overtime loss in their last outing, coach Mike Kelly said his side came out with “phenomenal energy”.
“It’s something that Adelaide does very well, so for us to not let that slow us down or make us think too much, we were able to put the pressure on them by attacking and making some shots,” he said. “A lot of guys made shots in that first quarter and it put them (Adelaide) on the back foot early and then we had to finish off.”
Point guard Scott Machado made up for a torrid night from the field in which he went a forgettable 1-11 at 9.1 per cent by racking up 13 assists.
Adelaide’s Obi Kyei was the only 36er that troubled Cairns on the offensive end as he dropped 15 points at 75 per cent, while Randle showed positive signs on the floor but couldn’t get his shots to drop, going 5-16 for his 19-point haul.
Now back in the top four, the Taipans will focus on winning back-to-back games against third-place United in Thursday’s open-air Boxing Day clash in Melbourne.
“It’s a great experience, the atmosphere is fantastic and this group loves big moments and having fun,” Kelly said.
“Hopefully we can go down there and play good basketball and make it fun.”
Outstanding rookie Kouat Noi did not suit up after he succumbed to an ankle injury. Tad Dufelmeier was elevated to the squad in his absence.
The Taipans will be sweating on the status of Noi, who is hoping to overcome the high ankle strain in time for the clash.
“We were hoping he’d be ready for tonight’s game,” Kelly said. “He’s just continued to work on it physio-wise and also on the court. We’re hopeful he’ll be able to play on Boxing Day.”