McCall a “Natural Born Leader”

Friday, February 10, 2023

Cairns Taipans’ coach Adam Forde has praised import Tahjere McCall as a “natural born leader”, crediting that’s why he built a team around him.

McCall has adopted a strong leadership role with the Taipans, with Forde recognising the star guard’s qualities and scouting a young team for him to lead.

McCall will lead Cairns into tonight’s Seeding Qualifier Finals game against the Tasmania JackJumpers.

“He’s a natural born leader,” Forde said.

“His style wouldn’t necessarily suit some teams, he’s a perfect fit for us and a perfect fit for me and that’s why I built a team around him.”

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McCall has showcased his leadership qualities throughout the season both on the court and on the sidelines when he has been injured. McCall’s leadership has played a vital role in the Taipans reaching the Finals.

McCall averages 16.0 points, 5.7 rebounds and 4.0 assists per game and is at the focal point of everything the Taipans do.

“When we put Tahj in charge, there was weirdly criticism from that, but I think we’re starting to see the benefits from it. When he’s injured or when he’s playing there’s a lot of times where he leads those timeouts, and the boys respond to it and listen to it,” Forde said.

McCall added it has been easy leading the Snakes because of the tight relationship the youngest team in the league has with each other.

“If there’s something that I see or something that I can help with I say something, it’s more just showing by example. I’m working hard, I do the things that need to be done,” he said.

“When you see me saying something it’s coming from a place of I want that too or I want to be with you guys. It’s easy with the team, we’re brothers.

“I might be leading one day, another day somebody else will be telling me something.”

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The Taipans’ first Finals game is tonight against the JackJumpers in the Seeding Qualifier. If the Snakes win, they advance to Series 1 of the Playoffs against the New Zealand Breakers.

If they lose, they will have a second chance in the Play-In game where they will battle it out with the winner from the Play-In Qualifier between South East Melbourne and Perth.

Forde acknowledged a sense of celebration for the Taipans finishing third but reiterated the team’s hunger to continue their momentum.

“Did we anticipate 18 wins? Part yes part no but we definitely saw ourselves being competitive as a potential Play-In team, so to just miss out on a top two spot is remarkable,” Forde said.

“All it does is increase the hunger of the guys.”

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McCall echoed Forde’s comments and is proud to have reached Finals after having it as a goal all season.

“We knew when we came into the beginning of the season that we were trying to fight for the championship,” he said.

“We expected to be in some type of range like this to have a chance.

“Right now that’s all it is, just focusing and getting the job done.

“We’re trying to complete the job in that task at hand.”

Tip-off tonight is 8:30pm AEDT at the Cairns Convention Centre for a crucial Seeding Qualifier live on ESPN via Kayo Freebies.