2018–19 Cairns Taipans season

• Numbers highlighted in green indicate that the team finished the round inside the top four.
• Numbers highlighted in blue indicates the team finished first on the ladder in that round.
• Numbers highlighted in red indicates the team finished last place on the ladder in that round.

Melo Trimble - "Melo Trimble was the clear choice for Taipans MVP this year, after breaking numerous club records and becoming the first player in over a decade to have at least 600 points, 100 rebounds, 100 assists and 50 made three-pointers in a regular season. The first-year import was also second in the NBL in scoring (22.6 points per game) third in assists (4.5 per game) seventh in three-pointers (43.1 per cent) and tied sixth for steals (1.2 per game)."[4]

Jarrod Kenny - "Selected by the coaches, the recipient of this award fulfils a variety of factors that they determine, whether that is the traits and values they bring to the team, their on-court efforts or their off-court contributions. This year, Jarrod Kenny was presented with the Coaches Award for bringing a competitive mentality and work ethic to training every day, while on game night he was consistently ready and was available to fill any role the team needed. Kenny is one of two players rostered for next season and alongside Rob Loe will return in the 2019/20 NBL season."[4]

D. J. Newbill - "DJ Newbill has been named Best Defensive Player by his club for two straight seasons now, after winning the same award with the New Zealand Breakers last year. Newbill often had the task of stopping some of the most lethal scorers the NBL, and proved to be a problem for opposition teams with his basketball IQ, strength, energy and quick hands. Newbill was also tied sixth in the NBL for steals, averaging 1.2 per game."[4]

Melo Trimble - "As one of the many benefits of being a Taipans member, the Orange Army get the privilege for voting for their very own MVP and ensuring their favourite player gets recognised at the end of the season. Melo Trimble took out the Member’s Choice MVP Award within an hour of voting being open, and the American gained the majority of votes from the 2018-19 Taipans members by a landslide."[4]

Kuany Kuany - "Voted on by the playing group, each player confidentially provided a 3-2-1 vote for the best team mate throughout the season, with Kuany Kuany taking out the honour this season. Kuany is known for being the first to put his hand up to help, sticking to the team values, and always going the extra mile for his peers. His great attitude and warmth has made him a huge fan favourite in Cairns, with his outgoing personality and infectious energy a constant source of positivity for the Taipans."[4]

Anthony Fisher - "Previously awarded to a volunteer, part-time member of staff or external individual that contributes to the Taipans, Anthony Fisher became the first player to ever be named Club Person of the Year on Friday. As a training player, he was an integral part of the Taipans training squad throughout the 2018-19 season, focusing on improving his game and his team mates. He has also been recognised for actively engaged in the Cairns community through Taipans promotions, school visits and clinics at Cairns Basketball."[4]

Nathan Jawai - "While all Taipans players and staff deliver a number of appearances, engagements and activities in the Cairns community, the Commitment to Community Award is presented to the player that goes above and beyond their Taipans duty. Nate Jawai took out this award for the second year in a row, thanks to his ongoing efforts with the Taipans Indigenous Program and Queensland Government commitments. Jawai continues to be a superstar in the local community and is extremely passionate about the work he conducts as an Indigenous role model."[4]