More minutes the goal for Blagojevic
WHEN George Blagojevic moved to Cairns last year to link with the Marlins in the QBL, he arrived with one mission in mind: to become an NBL player.
A successful QBL campaign led to a one-year deal with the Taipans, and despite limited minutes during NBL20 stayed in Cairns throughout the offseason to train with the squad.
Yesterday, he became the ninth player announced to play for the Taipans in the upcoming season, as the Snakes re-signed the 23-year-old on a one-year contract.
His new mission is to impress the coaching team, led by 2020 NBL Coach of the Year Mike Kelly, enough to warrant more minutes on the court.
Kelly said the 23-year-old is yet to reach his potential in the NBL, and is looking forward to seeing what Blagojevic will produce in his sophomore campaign at the Taipans.
“Last season George showed flashes of his ability to become a strong NBL rotation player, and his hard work and love of the game is paying off in the way he’s been training this off-season,” said Kelly.
“We’re trying to grow as a team and get better with the building blocks from last year. George has had to fight and scratch for every minute on the court and it’s been fun to see him rise to the challenge.
“This season, I’m expecting all the guys to step up, including George.”
Blagojevic joins Nate Jawai, Kouat Noi, Mojave King, Jarrod Kenny, Mirko Djeric, Fabijan Krslovic, Jordan Ngatai and Majok Deng on the roster.
It has been reported Scott Machado will fill one of two remaining import spots but the deal is yet to be announced by the club.