Coach was a pearler
JORDAN GERRANS FORMER Taipans players have expressed their disappointment and frustration after lead assistant coach Jamie Pearlman was not offered a coaching position under new coach Mike Kelly.
The respected coach yesterday took to social media to announce his departure from the club, thanking players, coaches and fans for their commitment and support of the team and his coaching journey over his six years at the club. The former NBL guard also held the position as Taipans academy coach and Cairns Marlins coach in the QBL while he assisted Aaron Fearne.
Former Taipans fan favourite Cameron Tragardh described Pearlman as a “players’ coach”.
“I found it instantly easier to connect with him ’cause he’d played in the NBL for so long,” Tragardh said. “He built his playing career on hard work and I think that translated into his coaching.
“I know for a fact that the senior players on the current Taipans team will be disappointed at his departure.”
After leading the Marlins to the 2016 QBL championship, Pearlman opted to further his coaching journey in the New Zealand NBL this season, where he has led the Nelson Giants to a 4-2 record.
His former captain at the Marlins, James Mitchell, likened him to Golden State Warriors coach Steve Kerr.
“He’s a bit like Kerr, personality-wise, and he knows the game and he’s real personable and honest,” Mitchell said.
“Everyone I know who’s played for him has loved having him as their coach.”
A veteran of more than 200 NBL games, Pearlman helped shape a generation of Far North basketballers through his work in the academy.
“I know a lot of the boys who have been involved with him really respect him as a person and what he’s about as a coach,” Taipans academy graduate Matthew Adekponya said.
The Cairns Taipans were contacted for comment. Players back Jamie as Taipans let him go