Pinder praises Forde ahead of reunion

There have undoubtedly been plenty of coaches who have strongly impacted the career of Perth star Keanu Pinder over the years, but tonight he’s set to face off against the man who helped elevate him to become one of the best players in the NBL, and a genuine high-level Boomers candidate.

Adam Forde.

Pinder became the only player in NBL history to win back-to-back Most Improved Player awards in his two seasons under Forde at the Cairns Taipans, but has since moved on to new pastures with Forde’s former side Perth.

While the Wildcats as a whole look to have turned their season around after a sluggish start, the quality performances of Pinder at the center position have been a constant for his new side, and he credits Forde’s belief in him for helping him become the best version of himself.

“He means a lot to me and for my journey,” Pinder told SEN.

“He’s let me be me and that’s what I’ve needed over these years of playing basketball, to have a coach like that who believes in you, just lets you play and be free is always going to bring the best out of you.

“I’m very thankful and grateful for him … I’m sure he has a great scouting report on me so let’s see how we go.”

Pinder has, so far, played in each one of Perth’s NBL24 games after being blighted by injury over the back end of NBL23 and the off-season.

He found himself well-embedded in MVP conversations before an eye injury ended his campaign prior to the playoffs, before he recovered for a short stint in Spain where a shoulder injury ended his time with Fuenlabrada after just six games.

The NBA Summer League then beckoned, but a back injury ruled him out of the tournament with the Phoenix Suns.

Despite the countless setbacks over the last six months, Pinder’s NBA dream is still alive and kicking.

“Before I got injured I was on a high rollercoaster, things were going well and I was getting a lot of feedback from my agent from teams,” Pinder said.

Pinder played 47 games for Cairns before crossing to the Wildcats.

“Things were looking great but then obviously I got the injury to my eye and then I went over to Spain and started playing really well over there, then the talks started picking back up again but I hurt my shoulder, so I had to get shoulder surgery.

“After that I came back and had the opportunity to play Summer League, so I went over and I hurt my back during Summer League, so I’ve had a bad run of injuries that have prevented me from achieving my goals in life.

“[The NBA is] always going to be my goal until it can’t. I’ve always dreamed about it and if I can make that happen, I’d be over the moon and be very satisfied with my life and my career.”

That eye injury suffered against the Phoenix last season has – at least aesthetically – altered the course of Pinder’s career.

This season he has become synonymous with the black protective mask he wears during games as a result of the injury.

While the mask is far from a stylistic choice, Pinder says it won’t be going anywhere.

“I have to wear it forever. I’m grateful I did wear it because I got kicked in the face and had a black eye even with the mask on,” he said.

“Imagine if I didn’t have the mask on – it could have been a season-ending injury again, so I’m glad that didn’t happen and I was wearing the mask but I don’t think I’m taking that thing off any time soon.”

Pinder and his Wildcats will take on Cairns at 9:30pm AEDT on ESPN via Kayo.