CALMING INFLUENCE

Q I hear you have had a new addition to your house in Cairns. Your daughter, Kayah, has moved back to Cairns over the winter from Melbourne. How has that changed things around the house?

A Having her back has settled things down a little bit, it is a different look for me. Taking Kayah to school in the morning, I love it. I love having her around more, it really brightens up my day to see her face. Hopefully I have more good days with her and not bad days and bad games of basketball (laughs). She does not understand what a good game or a bad game of basketball is yet, which is great. Her noise and her voice around the house, it is great. It has settled me down.

Q The Australian Boomers will play in Cairns next season during the Commonwealth Games. Is that something you think about, pulling on the green and gold in front of friends and family?

A It would be huge for me. It is always your goal to represent your country. I have been away from the Australian team for a little while as I was hurt during the Asian Cup. Whenever I get a call up, I am going to take it with both hands. It would be an honour to play for the Boomers in Cairns. It is still a long way away.

Q The Taipans have brought in Jamie O’Loughlin as an assistant coach. You worked with him in Perth. What will he bring?

A He is basketball savvy, he knows his stuff. He has a ton of experience. He is going to bring a lot, he is great with watching film too. I loved working with him in Perth.