Armstrong Cairns' "head of the snake"

Keep an eye on Taran Armstrong in NBL25.

That's the message from Cairns coach Adam Forde, who says the young gun is the "head of the snake" at the Taipans.

After a promising college career, where he averaged 11 (points), 5 (rebounds) and 5 (assists) across two seasons at the California Baptist Lancers, Armstrong returned to Australia as one of the country's most exciting prospects.

A foot injury delayed his start to the season in NBL24, but the point guard quickly showed why he's so highly regarded in Forde's system. 

The exit of experienced stars like Tahjere McCall and Patrick McCall has opened the door for the 22-year-old to be the leader on this team, with a new season just around the corner. 

“Taran’s the head of the snake ... and everybody else just brings that same level of intensity with him,” Forde said. 

Forde, and newly promoted assistant coach, Will Lopez, heaped praise on the Taipans' roster and their willingness to get to work, as they look to bounce back from an eighth-placed finish in NBL24.

It isn't going to be easy. They've undergone significant change to their roster and lost plenty of proven NBL performers, but according to the coaches, the future is bright. 

“On paper for me, this is probably one of the best defensive teams I’ve put together,” Forde said.

The Taipans have brought in Rob Edwards, from the G League, as a strong, versatile defender who will keep the opposition on their toes, while Pedro Bradshaw is a defensive powerhouse who can shoot the ball at a high clip from beyond the arc. 

That theme of toughness is a recurring one, with 208-centimetre "pitbull" Tanner Grover there to provide protection for Armstrong and open the floor. 

“It’s a different group, it’s been very business-like for the first couple of weeks,” Lopez added.

“They’ve come in ready to go with that mindset of getting their work done, so that’s been a really pleasing thing to see in the first couple of weeks.”

The new imports have been complemented by the additions of Jackson Makoi (Sydney Kings), Kyrin Galloway (Adelaide 36ers) and Kyle Adnam (Illawarra Hawks) in what looks a completely different roster from last year.

The Taipans’ first game of NBL25 will take place at HoopsFest on Saturday, September 21 against Illawarra.