Strong Jawai shows he has plenty left in tank
TAIPANS centre Nate Jawai believes he has plenty of years left after another strong outing in Cairns’ 96-87 loss to the Brisbane Bullets.
Jawai put up 20 points, hitting the mark for the third time this season, and grabbed five rebounds in a typically strong performance.
And there is plenty more in the tank.
“I haven’t really thought about it, to be honest,” Jawai said when asked about his future.
“I’m fortunate enough to
play every game this season and the body is feeling well, no niggling injuries throughout the season.
“I still feel fine, I still feel I can go another couple of years hopefully, but I haven’t really thought about it. I’m not that old I think.”
Majok Deng again showed how much the Taipans missed his services during a lengthy injury lay-off, putting up an impressive state line of 18 points, nine rebounds, five assists and two steals.
But it wasn’t enough as the Bullets, led by Nathan Sobey and Jason Cadee, who combined for 46 points, earned their first win in Cairns since December 2017.
“You can’t give up 57 points in a half,” coach Mike Kelly said.
“It’s up to the players to fight for each other, have pride. So for me, it’s trusting they’re going to come out and play hard every day in practice and on the floor.
“In the end, they make that decision, and this group will come fighting. We keep striving for that 40 minutes.”
Sobey topscored with 25 points, grabbing nine rebounds and dishing five assists, while Cadee had 21 points at 70 per cent from the field and four-from-six from long range.
Anthony Drmic chimed in with 14 points on a night Bullets import BJ Johnson took the floor for the first time and Cairns product Tamuri Wigness started his first NBL game in his hometown.
The Taipans will next take the floor on Friday, when they face South East Melbourne Phoenix at John Cain Arena.
■ HUMAN highlight reel Cam Oliver has reportedly signed a 10-day contract with Houston Rockets.
Oliver, who lit up the NBL with the Taipans, returned to the United States last month for personal reasons. He is on a two-year deal at Cairns and was expected to return for the NBL21 season.