Loughton not ready to quit yet

RETIREMENT? That is the last thing on Taipans skipper Alex Loughton’s mind at the moment.

The experienced 35-yearold admits his form has not been what he would have liked in the 2018-19 NBL season, where his club is 1-13, but he is not considering hanging up the boots just yet.

Loughton is coming of a stellar 2017-18 campaign, when he stepped up in his starting role to improve to an average of 12.6 points a game – his best stats in orange, but the power forward has only been able to find six points a game this campaign.

“At this stage, my approach is to continue on like I have got another year, anyway” he said.

“I will make a decision on that closer to the end of the season and it all depends on how I feel physically and how the team can get back on track.

“I am not thinking about retirement at this stage but maybe come the end of the season, it may be a different story.”

The fan favourite battled an ankle injury earlier in the season and says his output on court has not been what it should be.

Like Rob Loe, he has spent time with the starters as well as coming from the bench at times.

The power forward was the driving force behind the club’s season in 2017-18, but is yet to reach those same heights under rookie mentor Mike Kelly.

“I do not think I was able to deliver my performances for the team the way it should be,” Loughton said.

“I have not been happy with my performance to a certain extent.

“There is a lot of good stuff there, but we are coming up short.

“I know I have to lift and that is where it is going to start from my approach.” Cairns host Perth on Monday night.