Cairns Taipans name Adam Forde head coach

The CQUniversity Cairns Taipans welcome new Head Coach Adam Forde to the Far North, who joins the organisation on a two-year contract.

Originally from Western Australia, Forde has extensive experience in the NBL since joining the Wildcats in 2011 as an assistant. He was part of four championships with Perth – 2014, 2016, 2017 and 2019 before taking his talents to Sydney.

In 2020, Forde helped the Kings to the minor premiership and their first Grand Final appearance since 2008, before being elevated to the head coach position in 2021.

The 39-year-old is well-regarded throughout Australian basketball for his calculated coaching, meticulous approach to scouting, strong player relationships and unrivalled work ethic.

Taipans President Troy Stone said that Forde was the outstanding candidate in a comprehensive selection process, which included multiple interviews and in-depth analysis.

"We are really pleased to welcome Adam to the Taipans. The interview process and recruitment for this role has been lengthy and detailed, with a number of talented and qualified coaches. Adam proved at every stage that he is the best candidate for us.

"He has worked extremely hard in this league for over a decade, and his time is now.

I think the addition of Adam, the playing group we’ve retained, and a return to the Cairns Convention Centre will put us in a position for success this season."

Forde has also been the head coach of several WA state league and NZNBL teams, as well as an assistant with the Emerging Boomers at an international level.

He joins the Taipans for his 11th year in the NBL and said he was ecstatic about the job, the organisation and team he is set to lead.

"I’d like to thank Troy Stone, Mark Beecroft and the Taipans Board for this opportunity. I really appreciate the process that they implemented to ensure that this was absolutely the right situation for everyone involved," he said.

"I’ve respected what the Taipans have achieved over the years and how they’ve carved out such a strong and significant presence in the community.

"I think I’ll be able to complement this organisation as we share the same core values and ambition to see this team win a championship. I can’t wait to get to Cairns and be part of the Taipans family."

Forde is currently interim Head Coach of the Hawke’s Bay Hawks in the NZNBL and will move to Queensland with his partner Kylie and son Carter later next month.