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Years ago
Taipans sign Damon Heuir
Cairns complete roster with Damon Heuir
Media release: Tuesday 13 September 2016
The CQUniversity Cairns Taipans have completed their roster for the 2016/17 NBL season, signing Damon Heuir to the 11th spot on a one-year contract.
The club committed to the 25-year old prior to the end of the Queensland Basketball League season, and Head Coach Aaron Fearne is pleased to officially finalise his line-up.
"We have all been impressed by Damo's commitment and productivity during his QBL campaign," said Fearne.
“He was tested at the business end of the Marlins’ season and he stepped up and answered the calls when it mattered. But, we definitely made him earn it!”
Playing under Taipans assistant Jamie Pearlman, Heuir averaged 21.9 points and 3.5 assists for the Cairns Marlins and was instrumental in winning the 2016 QBL Championship.
“It’s one thing to be a good ABA player - but you’ve got to be able to transfer that to the NBL.
“Damo’s definitely made the move in that department. He’s also gotten older and a bit more mature, and you can see how his game has improved as a result,” said Fearne.
“It’s a credit to Jamie as well. We want the Marlins to be a good development program for us, so monitoring his progress through Jamie and checking in with him was important.”
Heuir first joined the Taipans as a development player in 2014, and excelled in his training sessions and brief court stints.
His hard work was rewarded with a full-time contract last season, where in limited minutes the combo-guard shot 50 per cent from the field.
“Last year he didn’t have many opportunities – but when he did, he made the most of it, and he got better as the year went on.
“You want to see that progression and we think he will continue to grow as a player.”
Heuir recently impressed in the pre-season series against Perth and Melbourne, with the Taipans only dropping one game from four on the road.
The team will face another NBL side, hosting the Illawarra Hawks for two games on Friday and Sunday before the Australian Basketball Challenge in Brisbane.
“You can only play with what you’ve got, and play against who they’ve got. It’s about getting better week after week, and we’ve done that,” said Fearne.
“This weekend will be another huge test. Last year against the Hawks was very competitive, very physical and that’s what you need to be able to prepare for the season.”
