Cairns retain hot-hand sharpshooter

Cairns has secured the return of another of its key NBL24 contingent with the re-signing of sharpshooting guard Jonah Antonio on a one-year deal.

Antonio has spent the past two seasons with the Taipans following his three years with NCAA side Wake Forest, and has appeared in a total of 43 games for Adam Forde’s side.

The 27-year-old averaged 3.7 points per game last season but has showcased his ability to turn a game with his three-point shooting on multiple occasions, including when he scored a career-high 20 points against the Sydney Kings in NBL23.

He played in 17 games last season due to a lingering calf injury. 

Taipans coach Adam Forde believes the best is yet to come for Antonio, and he hopes Cairns can help the sharpshooter unlock his full potential. 

“Jonah is an athletic shooter who rebounds well for a guard. He defends and runs the lanes hard,” Forde said.

“We haven’t seen him in full flight yet, but he’ll get his opportunity this season and I expect him to take full advantage. 

“During our end of season review, we evaluate each player to gauge their potential growth for next season.

“It’s a thorough assessment that answers the question: 'does this player have an increased role next season, or do we move him on?’ 

“In Jonah’s case, the conclusion was that he is prime for a considerable jump in performance and expectations. His growth has not only been a physical one, but also a mental one. 

“With the way our roster came together last year, Jonah spent another season playing backup minutes - which tested him.   

“However – the result is that he’s developed a stronger resolve and determination. There is a chip on his shoulder that I’ve probably put there, and I’m eager to see what happens now.” 

Antonio joins Kyrin Galloway, Jackson Makoi, Sam Waardenburg, AK Gak and Taran Armstrong on the Taipans' 2024-25 roster.