GordonG
Years ago
Cameron Oliver not Returning
The CQUniversity Cairns Taipans announce that import Cameron Oliver will not be returning to the NBL this season, and instead accept an Exhibit 10 contract in California. The club originally signed Oliver with the intentions of providing him with a pathway to a higher level and are thrilled that he is one step closer to the NBA.
After a stellar debut with the Taipans, Oliver committed to a new two-year deal in 2020. His second season with the club was cut short due to family reasons, which the club accepted and provided him with a release to return home to the US.
He received a 10-day contract with the Houston Rockets towards the end of the 2020-21 NBA season and in August suited up for the Golden State Warriors at Summer League.
Oliver said this was a strategic decision he had to make for his career, but Cairns would always be a second home to him.
"I want to say a massive thank you to the Taipans and the fans for all the love they showed me. The community embraced me and my family with open arms and I loved every minute I was there," he said.
“It was an honour to suit up and play in front of the Orange Army and I'm certainly going to miss it. I wish my guys all the best and hope they go out there and kill it this season.”
Taipans President Troy Stone said the club has been informed of Oliver’s status every step of the way and understands he cannot turn down this next opportunity.
“We understood why Cam had to leave early this year, and we are really pleased that he made the most of his time back home and it has opened up more doors for him. We signed him knowing that he was an NBA-quality player, and it was only a matter of time before he got the call up,” said Mr Stone.
“Our fans will be disappointed they won’t get to see him play in person, but he becomes yet another success story for our club and the development they get with us. We want nothing but the best for Cam and we are all excited to see where he takes his career.”
Taipans Head Coach Adam Forde said that he has also been in regular communication with Oliver and has had several contingency plans in place for this possibility.
“This is such a positive outcome. Cam said that he has never felt this close to his NBA dream, and this is exactly what we want. It speaks volumes of the Taipans organisation because they took a chance on him and look where he is now,” said Coach Forde.
“I came into this role knowing that Cam was on the fringe of the NBA - so we have been diligently planning for this possibility and it’s fortunate it’s at this time, during the pre-season. We’ve been prepared for all scenarios but now we can progress forward with certainty.
“I’m so happy for him, the team are extremely proud of him and now we get to move forward, sign another talented player and focus on winning a Championship for Cairns.”
The Taipans wish Cam and the Oliver family the very best for the future and will announce a new player signing soon."
