TAIPAN BRANCHES OUT

QCairns Taipan Mitch McCarron will miss the Commonwealth Games after he signed a shortterm deal with Slovenian team Olimpija Ljubljana. What was your take on Mitch deciding to do that?

AEvery player has the right to make a decision that is in the best interests of their career. We had a good chat about it and the whole idea around the national team is that experiences playing for Australia should help you reach the highest levels you can at the pro level as well. Mitch (right) played with us through the FIBA Asia Cup and the FIBA World Cup qualifiers and he now has the ability to go take this contract. That is a good thing that he can go over there and get experience in international basketball. He will only develop his ability and understanding of the level playing in Europe. We would obviously have loved to have him on the Boomers but we fully support his decision to go overseas.

QFormer Taipans captain Cameron Gliddon has been so consistent over the last year or so when in Australian colours. What have you seen from him to be able to perform at such a high level?

AOne of the pleasing things with Cam in the national team environment has been his ability to have an impact on the game. When he first came into the Boomers, perhaps he played a little too safe and never made any mistakes but I always thought he had an opportunity to make a greater impact. Certainly over the last 18 months, he has done that and he has been consistent and solid. His IQ of the game is so strong. He can come in and find a way to make a positive impact for the team.