Taipans’ Inger ready for big time opportunity
CAIRNS Taipans’ newest signing Brayden Inger is hungry to prove he has the chops to make it on the big stage.
Inger is a product of notable basketball nursery Rangitoto College – an institute that’s produced a number of Tall Blacks and Tall Ferns – where he won back-to-back titles.
He received an offer to play Division 1 college basketball for Mount St Mary’s University – a deal which ultimately fell through, but the 203cm tall New Zealander picked himself up, moved west and spent two seasons with Geraldtown Buccaneers in the NBL1 West, as well as the Southland Sharks in the NZNBL.
It was at these teams that Inger caught the eye of Taipans head coach Adam Forde, who worked in both locations about the same time.
For Inger, joining the Snakes is his chance to prove his potential on a stage that has seen many a player make the leap to the NBA, including former Taipan Cam Oliver.
“The proof’s in the pudding seeing him [Oliver] sign that contract,” Inger said.
“I’ve been speaking to Fordey, he believes in my development and I think that’s the best step – being involved in an association that believes in you.
“My personal goal is to get on the court and prove that I can bring something to this team and show what I’ve got and embrace every opportunity I have.”
Forde, who coached against Inger in New Zealand, said the development player has the talent to make it in the NBL, having already been earmarked as a future Tall Black.
“I knew this would be my best shot at conquering my goals to get through this system, so it’s definitely the step I’ve been trying to chase for the last few years and [I’m] super stoked I got the opportunity to try and do it,” 22year-old Inger said.