Taipans re-sign athletic big man

The Cairns Taipans announced on Saturday the return of Kyrin Galloway, with the athletic forward committing to a third season after signing a new one-year deal.

Galloway first joined the Taipans in 2024, with his mutual option being exercised for the Hungry Jack’s NBL26 Season and leading to a career-best campaign under Adam Forde.

The 26-year-old averaged 7.6 points and 4.6 rebounds, while being elevated to the starting lineup in 22 of his 33 appearances.

He recorded his first career double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds against Illawarra.

Galloway’s defensive abilities also flourished in his second season in orange, finishing with the fourth-most blocks in the NBL by a forward and earning the Taipans’ Defensive Player of the Year award.

“Kyrin has been here during the lean times and stepped up, especially during the stretches of injury,” Forde said.

“It wasn’t easy, but he built a lot of resilience over that time, and now we are getting a version of Kyrin that is hungry.

“What’s cool is Kyrin knows what he’s in for, and we know what we’re getting.

“He’s over losing like I am and is ready for a big year.”

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Galloway is one of three Taipans to return from last season’s roster, alongside Australian Boomers Jack McVeigh and Reyne Smith.

“It’s exciting to have Kyrin back, he adds depth and talent to our team,” Forde said.

“We can play him in that four or five spot, depending on the lineup, because we can use him as a pop threat against a team that defends in the key or get him on the rim against the teams that hedge the ball handler.

“For me personally, it also adds some consistency with all the new faces coming in.”

Prior to joining Cairns, 26-year-old Galloway spent time with the New Zealand Breakers and Adelaide.

Also on the Taipans roster for next season is exciting NBL Next Star Luke Paul and three-time NBL champion Shaun Bruce.

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