LARRY Abney knows no quarter will be given when he returns to Townsville to face the Crocs tonight.

But Abney is likely to be concentrating more on just getting on court for the Cairns Taipans than the jibes he will face from good mates Corey Williams and John Rillie in tonight’s National Basketball League northern derby.

Abney sent a scare through the Taipans camp yesterday when he rolled his ankle at training and had to sit out the remainder of the session.

"It’s unfortunate but I should be OK," he said at the end of the session just a couple of hours before the Taipans departed for Townsville.

"It’s just a little tweak."

The forward, who joined the Taipans from Townsville in the off-season, had to endure flack from former fans with Crocs management implying he left the club to chase the dollar.

And while the season is more than two-thirds done, Abney tonight faces his first match back at "the Swamp" since his defection.

"I’m actually not sure what to
expect, there could be some cheers, I’ll probably get some boos but either way, it’s going to be exciting," he said.

"I’d be lying of I said it was just another game.

"It's important we win but given the situation, it’s pretty exciting to go back to Townsville and play in front of them."

Import Abney was replaced by former South Dragons forward Rosell Ellis on the Crocs' roster but his season was ended by a pectoral muscle tear after only four rounds, with former street-baller Williams drafted into the side.

Williams, nicknamed "Homicide", has been a great success for the Crocs, averaging 20.6 points per game to be among the league’s leading scoreres.

And while Abney expects plenty of trash talk before the match, he and Williams are actually good friends, who played on the park circuit together in New York.

But he expects no favours.

"Absolutely not. There'll be a lot of trash talking from (Williams) and John Rillie alike and I’m sure a couple of other guys but I’m up for it.

"I love those games, it just gets your blood moving and gives that extra little bit of enthusiasm.

"It's about the Cairns Taipans and us getting it done.

"We might get a little handshake in before the game but once the ball’s up in the air, they’re just another team."

Aaron Grabau will sit out tonight’s match as well as tomorrow's game against Adelaide in Cairns but Darnell Mee is a chance of lining up after training yesterday.