Taipans sign Fuquan Edwin
Media release: Tuesday 16 August 2016
The CQUniversity Cairns Taipans today confirmed the signing of sharpshooter and defensive specialist forward Fuquan Edwin to its second import position.
Edwin starred for Seton Hall University from 2010 to 2014, finishing his senior year as the Big East Defensive Player of the Year with 2.7 steals per game.
The 198-centimetre forward played 127 games for Seton Hall, averaging 12.9 points and 4.8 rebounds while shooting 36.4 per cent from long range.
Edwin spent his rookie season with the NBA D-League's Sioux Falls Skyforce, posting 13.8 points, 4.8 rebounds and 1.8 steals per game and earning NBA D-League All-Defensive First Team honours.
He arrives in Cairns after professional stints in Venezuela and Israel.
Taipans head coach Aaron Fearne said Edwin’s skillset would add scoring punch in a system likely to generate plenty of looks from outside.
"Obviously with Nate (Jawai) being the focal point for us in the paint we need guys around him who can make plays from the perimeter," Fearne said.
“Fuquan will definitely have his foot on the pedal from an offensive point of view. He’s aggressive as a scorer, which we will need.
“He has a great ability to shoot the ball, and he’ll bring an aggressive mindset to the group.”
Edwin is the Taipans’ second import signing in as many weeks, following the signing of former Michigan State star Travis Trice.
As with Trice, Fearne had first pursued Edwin after his play at last year’s NBA Summer League.
“I was really impressed with him at last year’s NBA Summer League so I made some inquiries, but he ended up playing in Israel in a very good league,” Fearne said.
“Before that he played in an outstanding conference in the Big East, and as a pro he’s played really well.”
“To date with Travis and Fuquan we’ve added two really good pieces, and I’m looking to getting them integrated into our system,” he said.
Edwin is scheduled to join Taipans camp next week.
Biography: Fuquan Edwin
DOB: 17/09/1991
Height: 198cm
Weight: 94kg
College: Seton Hall (2010-2014)
Professional: Sioux Falls Skyforce, D-League (2014-15), Guaros de Lara, Venezuela LNB (2015), Ironi Nes Ziona, Israeli Premier League (2015-16).
Achievements:
2011-12: NCAA National Leader in Steals Per Game (3.0)
2013: All-BIG EAST Honorable Mention and received First Team All-Metropolitan honours
2014: BIG EAST Defensive Player of the Year
2014-15: Led BIG EAST in steals for the second time in three seasons
Owns Seton Hall school record of 8 steals in one game (twice)
ENDS