Kelly pays respect to players

NBL Coach of the Year Mike Kelly has paid tribute to the Taipans’ playing group after accepting the Lindsay Gaze Trophy.

Second-year Cairns mentor Kelly, who won six games in his rookie campaign before turning the club around to land at third place with a 16-12 record, praised his players’ effort and buy-in to what he was trying to build as key components of claiming the highest honour for coaches.

Kelly was a player in the NBL when Gaze, an Australian Basketball Hall of Fame member, was coaching and said it was extra special to win an award named after the legendary mentor.

“It all depends on the players and I am very fortunate to have a great group this year,” Kelly said.

“I know it is all about the players and I appreciate the players … and all the work we have done to get where we are.

“I know that coaching is a privilege and I am so happy to be part of the NBL, among this great fraternity here.

“It is a privilege to coach and to win something that has Lindsey Gaze’s name on it – that is a big honour.”

Kelly was not the only award winner from FNQ on Sunday night in Melbourne, with all three imports receiving honours, highlighted by cocaptain DJ Newbill winning Defensive Player of the Year.

Snakes point guard Scott Machado, who was selected in the All NBL First Team as well as being named Fans MVP, described the awards the club won as “wonderful”.

“Having DJ as defensive player of the year, having to guard a lot of great players throughout the season and making that happen,” Machado said.

“And coach, making the decisions, and putting guys in the right positions, with the X’s & O’s, obviously they are two big accolades.”

The NBL goes into a bye round this week for a FIBA break, before the Taipans get stuck into their semi-final series against Perth, starting on February 28 at RAC Arena.