Cairns Taipans land Lucas Walker
“Waxy” comes to Cairns after winning Gold at the Commonwealth Games with the Boomers and one of the best statistical seasons of his career, averaging 8.8 points and 5.6 rebounds with the Perth Wildcats.
The Cairns Taipans have begun their rebuild with Australian Boomer Lucas Walker joining the team.
“Waxy” comes to Cairns after winning Gold at the Commonwealth Games with the Boomers and one of the best statistical seasons of his career, averaging 8.8 points and 5.6 rebounds with the Perth Wildcats.
The forward also set a new NBL record last season, with his 16 rebounds against Adelaide the most ever recorded in the NBL’s 40-minute era, and the most by any player the entire season.
Cairns Taipans Head Coach Mike Kelly said that Walker’s reliable athletic abilities would complement the up-tempo team he is putting together.
“Entering the free agency period, we looked at multiple options and with each roster model, Lucas Walker’s name just kept popping up. He’s a player with traits that align with the way we want to play - in particular, his versatility and toughness,” said Kelly.
“Lucas is unselfish, has a great ability to get to the rim and rebounds the ball at a high rate. He has experienced the highs and lows of the NBL and continues to prove himself as a consistently good basketball player who helps his team win.”
After playing with the Melbourne Tigers, Melbourne United and then the Adelaide 36ers, Walker signed in Perth as an injury replacement in 2016.
Despite his short contract, Walker excelled in his brief stint and continued as a training player for the remainder of their Championship season.
In a testament to his character, he was recognised for his efforts as the recipient of the Coaches Award and was quickly signed to a full-time contract.
The 33-year old played in the NBL semi-finals in February and is now excited to enjoy his resurgence in the Far North with a new-look Taipans team.
“After speaking with Mike, I'm excited about the direction he wants to take and the type of team he wants to put together,” said Walker.
“The NBL is getting more competitive every season and I’m really embracing the challenge and making the most of every opportunity I get on the court.”
Walker joins Nate Jawai, Alex Loughton and Kuany Kuany on the Taipans roster following the retirement of Stephen Weigh and the departures of Mitch McCarron and Cam Gliddon.
“Waxy” comes to Cairns after winning Gold at the Commonwealth Games with the Boomers and one of the best statistical seasons of his career, averaging 8.8 points and 5.6 rebounds with the Perth Wildcats.
The forward also set a new NBL record last season, with his 16 rebounds against Adelaide the most ever recorded in the NBL’s 40-minute era, and the most by any player the entire season.
Cairns Taipans Head Coach Mike Kelly said that Walker’s reliable athletic abilities would complement the up-tempo team he is putting together.
“Entering the free agency period, we looked at multiple options and with each roster model, Lucas Walker’s name just kept popping up. He’s a player with traits that align with the way we want to play - in particular, his versatility and toughness,” said Kelly.
“Lucas is unselfish, has a great ability to get to the rim and rebounds the ball at a high rate. He has experienced the highs and lows of the NBL and continues to prove himself as a consistently good basketball player who helps his team win.”
After playing with the Melbourne Tigers, Melbourne United and then the Adelaide 36ers, Walker signed in Perth as an injury replacement in 2016.
Despite his short contract, Walker excelled in his brief stint and continued as a training player for the remainder of their Championship season.
In a testament to his character, he was recognised for his efforts as the recipient of the Coaches Award and was quickly signed to a full-time contract.
The 33-year old played in the NBL semi-finals in February and is now excited to enjoy his resurgence in the Far North with a new-look Taipans team.
“After speaking with Mike, I'm excited about the direction he wants to take and the type of team he wants to put together,” said Walker.
“The NBL is getting more competitive every season and I’m really embracing the challenge and making the most of every opportunity I get on the court.”
Walker joins Nate Jawai, Alex Loughton and Kuany Kuany on the Taipans roster following the retirement of Stephen Weigh and the departures of Mitch McCarron and Cam Gliddon.
E. Carchia
@Sportando
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