WHEN coach Aaron Fearne left the Cairns Marlins six weeks ago to accompany NBA draftee Nathan Jawai to the US, they had only one win from their opening four matches in the 2008 Queensland Australian Basketball League season.
Returning to Cairns this week, Fearne finds the Marlins 6-4 and resembling the force that won last season’s ABA Championships after five straight wins.
"(Marlins assistant coaches) Jamie Pearlman and Brad (Burdon) did a wonderful job while I was away," Fearne said.
"Their success has certainly put me under the pump to keep on winning."
Fearne takes charge of the Marlins tonight for their clash against the Caboolture Suns at the Bendigo Bank Basketball Centre.
With his side’s play-off spot still far from secure, Fearne said it was important the Marlins kept their winning streak going.
"We got ourselves into a hole at the start of the season and we’ve done well to fight our way out of it," he said.
"Caboolture, they’ve played some very good games and their American import Bryan Jett has posted some massive numbers."
Fearne reacquainted himself with his players on Wednesday night when he coached the Marlins to an 86-84 victory against the visiting University of Nevada, Las Vegas.
He said he made sure he was back in Cairns in time to oversee that game.
"I used that match to get back into the groove," he said. "They (the Marlins) needed to hear my voice again."
Tip-off against the Suns is at 8.30pm.
