Cairns Taipans turn up the heat
THE Taipans have lapped up the heat this week, sweating through training in sauna-like conditions as they hunt back-to-back NBL victories for the first time this season.
Veteran point guard Jamar Wilson has never experienced conditions like it in his career, and has found it difficult to keep his weight and appetite up.
"I've lost weight this week, it's the worst heat I've felt for sure," he said.
"But we've got through it, you've got to keep the banter up on the court when it gets like this."
And there was plenty of that yesterday as they scrimmaged ahead of tomorrow'sgame in Melbourne.
Inconsistency has plagued the Snakes all season, and a staggering 1-22 career record in Melbourne means history is against them if they want to string back-to-back wins together.
But the Taipans destroyed the Tigers last Friday at home, and Wilson said there had been an adjustment in the mood of the team in recent weeks.
"You can see that we are getting a good feel about us," he said.
"There is no distrust, it's all very unselfish, we are enjoying it and it's a domino effect in a way. People are starting to say, 'oh my gosh, I can do this and that'."
Wilson will not take direct credit for that effect, although it was his sizzling form at the start of Friday's win that got the side going.
He was benched to start the fourth quarter and got to watch as the side clinically disposed of the Tigers.
"It was amazing to watch that fourth quarter, having fun on the sidelines. To see your teammates go out and destroy like that and go off and I was just a cheerleader," he said.
Wilson's 19 points were ignored when it came time to talk player of the week, but as long as Cairns is winning that does not faze him.
"We're not a big market club, that's just the way it is. I had an efficient game and everyone that was there knows that," he said.
"We just need to keep scratching out wins. With that comes recognition and what a turnaround it would be (to make finals)."
The Taipans play the Tigers at 1pm Cairns time.
Watch live on NBL.TV or follow @cairnssports on Twitter or facebook.com/cairnssports for updates.
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Good vibe: Jamar Wilson says the Taipans are upbeat ahead of their away clash with Melbourne this weekend.














