Joe Blake returns
THE Cairns Taipans have secured a signing coup that will strike fear into the hearts of NBL players around the league.
Yes, the rumours are true, Joe Blake is officially back.
Pictures: Cairns Taipans mascot Joe Blake
The much-loved basketball mascot came out of hibernation for the final four home games last year to help out the club after it was placed in administration.
With the Taipans surviving following a community campaign, fans started wondering whether he’d suit up again.
Yesterday, he confirmed what every supporter wanted to hear, it’s all systems go for the 2009-10 season.
The venomous snake is widely acknowledged as the best mascot in the league, with his costumes, gags and props delighting fans and confusing opponents in equal measure.
Pictures: Cairns Taipans 2008-09
Joe already has Melbourne Tigers star Mark Worthington in his sights after the Boomer reneged on a commitment to join the Taipans.
"We’ll be pulling out all the stops to make sure we put on a good show," he said.
"Mark Worthington will be a prime candidate now after his little backflip."
Joe, who initially retired at the end of the 2006-07 season, said the response from fans after his comeback had helped make his decision to return again an easy one.
"It was very, very exciting, I didn’t really know how much I missed the thrill of game night and the reaction of the crowd."
Joe, also known as Matt Bolton, will spend more time in the community this season meeting Taipans fans.
Taipans general manager Mark Beecroft said Joe was an integral part of making game nights great family entertainment.
"Joe is hands-down the best mascot in the NBL. Our players and coaches love him, the fans just love his antics and, I think, even visiting players get a kick out of being targeted by him," Beecroft said.
The Taipans’ first home game of the season is against Adelaide on September 26.
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On the comeback trail: Cairns Taipans mascot Joe Blake is back on the team. Picture: MIKE WATT
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