Cairns' new and improved Stattmann set for breakout NBL26

• Kody Stattmann is on a full roster contract after being a development player in NBL25
• He impressed against Tasmania at the Blitz with 17 points, seven rebounds and six assists
• Stattmann previously had stints at South East Melbourne and Brisbane

The Cairns Taipans may have suffered an overtime loss to start their Code Sports NBL Blitz but that didn't stop it from being a breakout performance from Kody Stattmann.

Stattmann, 25, who was a development player with the Taipans last season, spent most of his time at the point guard position and played a starring role with 17 points, seven rebounds, and six assists to go with four three-pointers as Cairns went down 97-95 to Tasmania in one of the best games in Blitz history.

After earning a development player contract for the NBL25 after a gruelling eight-hour open gym trial, the Cairns junior played just three games last season but said coach Adam Forde's increased trust in him has allowed him to make the jump to an increased role for NBL26.

“I feel comfortable with the ball in my hands, and I think Fordey [Adam Forde] noticed that, so the last two weeks in training he’s trusted me to bring the ball up, and I think the opportunities come from that,” Stattmann said.

Stattmann, who had stints with the South East Melbourne Phoenix and Brisbane Bullets before returning to his hometown, dominated during the NBL1 season, averaging 25 points and eight rebounds. He had a colossal 48-point performance against Townsville to in the regular season finale.

The trust Forde has in Stattmann was on full display in their Blitz opener, starting the game then playing crucial minutes in the fourth quarter and overtime. He produced when it mattered, making a massive go-ahead basket, finding import big man Marcus Lee for a basket, and almost hitting the game-winning three from a sideline out of bounds play.

“It’s really important [to impress] in these preseason games,” Stattmann said.

“I’ll take every opportunity and play as hard as I can and hopefully reward myself during the season.”

The messaging Forde provided to Stattmann was very much in line with his production in the tournament opener. With a 202cm frame, he looked assured as a facilitator with zero turnovers despite encountering a smaller, more nimble Tasmanian guard line-up.

“He told me just to play at my own pace, get guys open, make the right passes,” Stattman said.

“Don’t let the guys beat me up, because I haven’t played point guard in a long time.”

The Taipans will have the services of import Admiral Schofield and Australian Boomers star Jack McVeigh as a part of a reinvigorated Taipans group, which Stattmann said gave him a boost in confidence.

“Yeah, they help a lot, as soon as I get pressured, it’s always good to get the ball out of my hands and let them go to work – they’re the best shooters in the league,” he said.

“It feels great playing with Jack as well, I’ve been watching him for a few years now, and I always wanted to play with him, so it’s great, it’s great to be on the floor with him.”

The Taipans will look to leave Canberra with a win as they face the New Zealand Breakers to close out the NBL Blitz. Stattmann will then hope to kickstart Cairns’ rise up the table in NBL26 as they start their campaign against the Phoenix on September 20.