The NBL young gun in NBA sights

In just his second professional season, Cairns’ star guard Taran Armstrong is beginning to find himself in the middle of conversations within NBA circles.

“This week I fielded calls from two separate NBA teams,” Taipans coach Adam Forde said post-game on Friday.

“When we first signed Taran, they said he had to work on his body and work on his jump shot.

“At the end of year one, they said he did a great job on his body and he needs to work on his jump shot. Last year he averaged eight points and 28 per cent from three, now he’s averaging 18 points and shooting the three ball well.”

While Cairns has struggled to get wins this season, largely due to its horrific run of injuries, Armstrong’s play has been a shining light.

Since the FIBA Break, he’s averaging 23 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists per game. He’s also shooting the three at over 57 per cent.

“When the NBA personnel come down to the NBL in January, they have now added the Cairns Taipans to their schedule,” NBL champion Peter Hooley said on NBL Overtime.

“They want to go and see what this kid can do and what he can potentially be in the future.”

After leaving college following his second season, Armstrong turned down opportunities to transfer to a high major college and turn professional.

After an injury plagued rookie season, Armstrong has put his best foot forward and it seems only a matter of time before an NBA opportunity beckons for the young star.