Next

Stars

Next

Stars

Next

Stars

Next

Stars

"My stance with Ro has pretty much stayed the same, I like him as a person, I like him as a player."

21 Sep
NBL.com.au

"Discussions are open" for young Aussie prodigy Roman Siulepa to join the Cairns Taipans as a Next Star, after head coach Adam Forde expressed interest following a report from NBL analyst Peter Hooley on Overtime. 

“We spoke to Roman back in April, May, and then we spoke to him again at the Blitz," Forde said. 

"My stance with Ro has pretty much stayed the same, I like him as a person, I like him as a player. 

"I like Roman, but obviously he's got to be the right fit for everybody...Discussions are open but I don't think I'm breaking down any doors just yet." 

Siulepa is in conversations with NBL clubs to find a home as a Next Star after mutually parting ways with the Tasmania JackJumpers in August. 

Hooley said the likelihood of Siulepa landing at the Taipans is high. 

"There's three teams that are in the hunt for him - the Adelaide 36ers, the Illawarra Hawks, and the Cairns Taipans," Hooley said. 

"The Cairns Taipans want Roman really bad, Adam Forde - he really believes that he can unlock Roman. You think about what he can do on the floor, the type he plays, he is an Adam Forde type player - a two year prospect, what he can build. 

"I think they'd be the front runners. 

"He just seems like the perfect Adam Forde style player, he's [Forde] very keen and they want him."

Nb L25 App 1920x250

Latest News

Next Star Toohey's learning curve
Next Star Toohey's learning curve

Alex Toohey believes the challenges he's faced in NBL24 will help set him up for a long, successful basketball career.

Feb 23, 2024

Hukporti's advice for Next Star prospects
Hukporti's advice for Next Star prospects

Ariel Hukporti has called Melbourne home for three years, and has issued some words of advice to European prospects.

Feb 23, 2024

All episodes of 'We Got Next' air Sunday
All episodes of 'We Got Next' air Sunday

With no games this Sunday afternoon due to the FIBA Break, we've got your NBL fix sorted.

Feb 22, 2024

Next Stars highlights - Round 20, NBL24
Next Stars highlights - Round 20, NBL24

Take a look back at Round 20 and some of the best plays from some of the world's best emerging talents. 

Feb 20, 2024

Next Stars Wrap - Round 20, NBL24
Next Stars Wrap - Round 20, NBL24

Bobi Klintman, Trentyn Flowers and Rocco Zikarsky's NBL24 campaigns have come to an end after their sides failed to make Finals.

Feb 20, 2024

INSIDE NBL24: WE GOT NEXT (Episode 5)
INSIDE NBL24: WE GOT NEXT (Episode 5)

Get a glimpse into what NBL24 has to offer in the fifth episode of the documentary series: WE GOT NEXT.

Feb 16, 2024

Why NBL stint will give Klintman the "edge"
Why NBL stint will give Klintman the "edge"

Bobi Klintman believes his time in the NBL has helped give him the tools to settle more strongly into the NBA.

Feb 15, 2024

Zikarsky's "champion" mentality
Zikarsky's "champion" mentality

Star Bullet Casey Prather has been impressed with how his young teammate Rocco Zikarsky has adapted to NBL level.

Feb 14, 2024

Bobi Klintman: The Swedish Snake's farewell
Bobi Klintman: The Swedish Snake's farewell

Friday night's clash between Melbourne and Cairns will almost certainly be Bobi Klintman's final game for the Taipans, and the end of an incredible relationship between the Next Star and the Taipans' faithful.

Feb 14, 2024

For early access and updates, stay up to date with the hottest young basketball talent in the world. Sign up below and never miss a play or the next big moment.

By signing up you agree to the NBL Terms & Conditions and Privacy Policy.

The National Basketball League acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work, live & play. We pay our respects to their Elders past, present & emerging as well as all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island Community.