In the world of Australian basketball, a quiet revolution is taking place in the tropical north. Cairns Taipans head coach Adam Forde has made a bold move, shifting his team’s focus to empower a young, talented point guard, Taran Armstrong. The 22-year-old Tasmanian native has shown flashes of brilliance in his first professional season, and Forde is convinced he has the potential to lead the team to success.
Armstrong’s impressive vision, high-level feel for the game, and unique ability to use his frame to get downhill have made him an attractive centerpiece for the Taipans’ offense. Forde has surrounded him with a trio of imports – Rob Edwards, Pedro Bradshaw, and Tanner Groves – who bring shooting, athleticism, and defensive prowess to the table. The result is a well-balanced team that can run the floor, fill lanes, and create scoring opportunities.
One of Armstrong’s most potent weapons is his “wombat dribble,” a hostage dribble that allows him to create a two-on-one situation with his defender. It’s a skill he’s mastered over the years, and one that has coaches across Australia raving. His teammates praise his ability to find them on the pop or lob, and his patience and decisiveness in making split-second decisions.
But Armstrong’s greatest asset may be his leadership. Despite being quiet and soft-spoken, he’s developed a natural ability to communicate and lift those around him. His teammates trust him implicitly, and he’s become an extension of Forde on the court. The young point guard’s growth into a leadership role has been expedited by the team’s decision to build around him, and he’s embracing the challenge.
The risk of building around someone so young is clear, but for the Taipans, it’s a gamble worth taking. With limited resources, they need to find unique ways to construct their roster and compete with the league’s powerhouses. By betting big on Armstrong’s talent and upside, they’re hoping to create a team that can maximize his abilities and achieve success.
As Armstrong said, “All I can focus on is being the best player I can. Wherever that takes me, it’ll take me. Right now, I just wanna help lead and help the Taipans win games.” With his leadership, vision, and playmaking ability, the sky’s the limit for this young point guard and his team.
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