Krslovic keen to see Jois on court as new Taipan cleared for debut
CAIRNS forward Fabijan Krslovic is looking forward to seeing what his newest teammate Venky Jois can do when the Taipans take on the Breakers in Launceston tonight.
The former NBA G-League forward was this week added to the Taipans roster as a replacement for star import Cam Oliver, who has been waived for the remainder of the season and has returned to the US for family reasons.
“He’s been good,” Krslovic said. “He’s been with us this whole week, slotting into training and getting a feel for things.
“I think, obviously with Cam missing, he’ll provide some size and physicality.
“I’m looking forward to seeing what he can do.
“He’s slided right in and been part of the group from the get-go.”
Taipans coach Mike Kelly confirmed Jois had received clearance from FIBA and was all set to suit up for the Snakes at the Silverdome.
“It’s great having all hands on deck,” he said.
“I know that everybody’s ready to step up but having Venky here, he’ll give us some good minutes.”
Kelly said Jois’ fitness was a “dayby-day” prospect, having recently completed two weeks of quarantine after returning to Australia from Serbia, where he played for Pirot in the Basketbal League of Serbia.
“He’s had workouts every day that he’s been here, including (Friday morning) before we fly out, so he’s getting there, but having Nate (Jawai) ready to go, Fab, George (Blagojevic), even Jordan Ngatai moving down to the power forward position, we feel good about the guys we have here.”
Kelly said Hyrem Harris, who joined the club as an injury replacement player earlie this month, was also a chance to take the floor.
“He hasn’t got an opportunity yet but he’s ready to go,” he said.
Tip-off is at 7.30pm.