Edwards "correct in laughing" at pre-season snubs

The Cairns Taipans managed to secure two big wins in round three and once again they were led by their superstar new import, Rob Edwards.

After posting 16 points, five rebounds and five assists against the Tasmania JackJumpers last Friday, Edwards had 23 points against Melbourne United on Sunday, which involved a head-to-head match-up with last season’s Best Defensive Player, Shea Ili.

“I thought Melbourne United could not check him at all,” 1990 NBL MVP Derek Rucker said on Moments that Mattered.

“It’s worth mentioning that because he was guarded by Shea Ili, who did a total blanket job on Bryce Cotton on Friday night.

“He’s really strong. I thought that gave Ili a bit of problem and Edwards still has the athleticism and quickness to put the ball on the deck.”

When asked if he believed Edwards could be a potential All-NBL First Team member, Rucker didn’t hesitate.

“Without a doubt,” he said. 

“He’s a guy who is going to get better, too.”

Rob Edwards' last three games:

🔥 31 PTS - 6 3PM - 4 AST - 1 STL
🔥 16 PTS - 5 REB - 5 AST - 1 STL
🔥 23 PTS - 5 REB - 3 AST - 1 STL

The @CairnsTaipans have won all three games 👀 pic.twitter.com/hPpHSONUcL

— NBL (@NBL) October 7, 2024

After a poor opening round performance at HoopsFest, Cairns has completely turned it around to win their next three games and set up a blockbuster clash against the Perth Wildcats on Thursday night.

As Edwards continues to make his presence felt around the league, Rucker knows that he won’t be forgetting how he was overlooked a few months ago by the experts.

“In the pre-season, when we were all putting up our early predictions and player evaluations, his name was not mentioned,” Rucker said.

“He kept putting up the crying face emojis and I heard from some people who I really respect say that we’re going to like Rob Edwards and the way he plays the game…and they were correct. 

“And he’s correct in laughing at us for leaving him out of a lot of those predictions.”