Talented Tad spots his chance on roster

SNAKES development player Tad Dufelmeier is setting his sights high as he chases a full NBL roster spot over the next few years.

The up-and-coming point guard featured in a handful of contests for the Taipans last season, as the club went to the finals, before exiting at the hands of eventual champions Perth.

Dufelmeier was impressive in his limited minutes last campaign, as well as excelling in pre-season games before the club’s imports arrived in Australia.

He had signed with the Hobart Chargers for the second NBL1 season, before the campaign was cancelled due to coronavirus.

The Concordia University product thinks his game grew being around experienced players like Scott Machado and DJ Newbill.

“It was super exciting, it has always been one of my goals to play in the NBL from a young age, with my Dad doing it as well,” Dufelmeier said.

“It was a dream come true at the time, even just being in a development player position, but obviously there is more I want to achieve going forward and I cannot wait for that.

“It was great learning from those guys, Scott definitely, because he was in my position and the way he ran the team.”

Dufelmeier said he got better as the season went on being around Machado day-in and day-out, taking it on as a learning lesson.

He is the son of former Cannons player Tad Dufelmeier, who played seven NBL seasons. The athletic point guard said he speaks to his former professional father when he needs advice.

“Any questions I have, I just ask him, he has kind of let me feel it out and find my own way,” he said.

“He has not hovered over me and not put on any pressure on me.” Dufelmeier said he was disappointed NBL1 was called off, as he was keen to put into practice what he learned in FNQ last summer.

He is also waiting for an opportunity to present itself for a NBL roster spot when free agency opens later this month.