A pair of NBL1 Stars have signed on as development players with the NBL’s Cairns Taipans for NBL25.
Both signing two-year deals, Cairns has been paying close attention to the NBL1 this season – bringing in the best of the best from around the country.
Starting with Kody Stattmann, the Cairns product has been sensational for the Marlins this NBL1 North season. Averaging 27.5 points this season (third highest in the nation), he’ll now be playing in his third straight NBL season after stints with the Phoenix and the Bullets.
The second player is Alex Higgins-Titsha. While relatively unknown to NBL fans, this hyper-athletic forward and reigning Defensive Player of the Year in the NBL1 East is sure to make an impact in Far North Queensland.
Alexander Higgins-Titsha is dunking EVERYTHING! ?
Watch NBL1 East via https://t.co/NEk1I7kaV8 or the NBL1 App ? & ? pic.twitter.com/7WsLTO6pMg
Averaging 20 points, 8.8 rebounds, 1.8 steals and 1.2 blocks per game for the Inner West Bulls, the 196cm (6’4”) forward will be able to make a difference on both ends for Adam Forde's squad.
“Having both Kody and Alex adds to some talented depth in our wing positions,” explained Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde.
“Kody already has two years’ experience and has a good understanding of the league, while Alex is a hungry rookie with all the athleticism and drive to be an NBL player.”
Both Stattmann and Higgins-Titsha participated in the Taipans “open gym” last month, where NBL1 South star Dillon Stith also secured a contract.
They both competed in the gruelling eight-hour day to make a lasting impression on Coach Forde.
“Both these guys showcased their strengths during our open trial,” said Forde.
“As the day progressed on and fatigue started playing a part in the player's performance, these two kicked it into another gear.
“Kody showed his ability to knock down from range and engage in the defensive contest, while Alex consumed every rebound available and even finished the eight-hour day with a two-handed reverse dunk.”
Stattmann will host Nathan Sobey’s Ipswich Force tonight from 8:00pm AEST while Higgins-Titsha will take on the Penrith Panthers on Saturday from 8:00pm AEST. You can watch both games live via NBL1.com.au or the NBL1 App.
