"Perfect fit": High-flying Boomer returns to Taipans

The Cairns Taipans have announced the exciting signing of Australian Boomer Keanu Pinder for the Hungry Jack’s NBL27 Season.

The 31-year-old Pinder returns to Far North Queensland, where he spent both NBL22 and NBL23, after stints with the Perth Wildcats, Shanxi Loongs (China) and Akita Northern Happinets (Japan).

Big man Pinder is excited to return to the Taipans, a club that helped him win back-to-back Most Improved Awards and be selected to the 2022-23 All-NBL Second Team.

“I decided to return to Cairns because of the trust I have in the organisation and the relationships I have there, especially with [Adam] Forde and [Mark] Beecroft,” Pinder said.

“Us three spoke about my future and the trajectory of the Club, and we're all aligned on what we want to achieve.

“Honestly, Forde is the best coach I’ve ever had. He’s someone I’ve known since I was young, and we’ve always had a great relationship.

“We’ve always seen eye-to-eye on how is best for me to play, so when the opportunity to team up with him came up again, I couldn’t say no.”

On signing with the Snakes, Pinder will join fellow Australian Boomers Jack McVeigh and Reyne Smith on the club’s revamped roster, as well former Perth teammate Sunday Dech.

“The timing just felt right to return, as they’re the perfect fit for me, and I believe we can make something special happen with the pieces we have in place,” he said.

“It’s always easier to play with the guys who can really shoot the ball [like Jack and Reyne], creating more space for me to get on the rim and do what I do.”

Just as excited about the reunion is newly re-signed Forde, whose first official signing as Taipans coach back in 2021 was Pinder.

“What’s special for me personally with Keanu returning is that it's the first time we've had someone who grew and built their basketball brand here return after playing elsewhere around the world,” Forde said.

“He has added additional layers to his skillset and now comes back to us at the peak of his game.”

While Forde knows the offensive threat that Pinder, who has a career-high 16.9 points a game in his most recent season in Cairns, poses, it’s what he brings to the club on the other end that could make the biggest impact.

“Obviously, his offensive game speaks for itself. His point of difference is what he can do on the short roll and how he can finish on the rim. His back-to-the-basket game and outside shot have also taken big strides,” he added.

“But defensively? He’s going to anchor our defence. One thing with Keanu that gets overlooked, is that last time he was here, he had the number one-ranked defensive rating in the league.

“We were the number one-ranked defensive team, and he was sixth in the league for rebounding percentage. That's something that we've really missed since he's been gone.

“I’m excited to have Keanu back to improve us on both ends, while he’s also been an important part of what we’ve being doing recruitment-wise.”

The Taipans will open their Hungry Jack’s NBL27 Season on the road, playing the Sydney Kings at Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday, September 20 from 5pm AEST.

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