Alex Higgins-Titsha
October 29, 2024
Tahjere McCall
- Nationality: USA
- Date of Birth: 17/08/97
- Place of Birth: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (USA)
- Position: SG
- Height (CM): 193
- Weight (KG): 88
- Junior Assoc: None
- College: Niagara (2012–2014) / Tennessee State (2015–2017)
- NBL DEBUT: 5/12/21
- AGE AT DEBUT: 24
- LAST NBL GAME: 16/02/24
- AGE AT LAST GAME: 26
- NBL History: Cairns 2022-24
- Championships: 0
- None
BIO: Tahjere McCall was born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania (USA) and attended George Washington Carver High School of Engineering and Science. There, he played for the schools basketball team and was lightly recruited by college team’s.
NBL EXPERIENCE
Tahjere McCall made his NBL debut with the Cairns Taipans at 24 years of age. He scored 16 points in his first game.
Cairns underwent significant changes before the NBL22 season, starting with Adam Forde replacing Mike Kelly as head coach. Forde, previously with the Sydney Kings, was tasked with reinvigorating a Taipans squad that lost leading scorer Cam Oliver to the NBA. New additions included imports Tahjere McCall and Stephen Zimmerman, as well as Keanu Pinder (via Adelaide) and rookie Bul Kuol (Detroit Mercy), who joined a core that featured Majok Deng, Kouat Noi, Nathan Jawai, Mirko Djeric, Jarrod Kenny, and captain Scott Machado.
The Taipans faced a challenging season marked by injuries, which left them unable to field a full-strength roster in any game. Despite these setbacks, Forde’s development-focused approach yielded career-best seasons for several players. Majok Deng (14.3 points, 4.9 rebounds, and 1 assist) led by example, appearing in every game and ranking second on the team in scoring. Keanu Pinder (10.9 points, 7.5 rebounds, and 1.1 assists) doubled his production from the prior season and earned the NBL Most Improved Player award.
Bul Kuol (10.4 points, 2.6 rebounds, and 1.3 assists) made an immediate impact as a rookie. Initially not guaranteed minutes, Kuol stepped up due to injuries and became one of Cairns’ most reliable contributors, culminating in him winning the NBL Rookie of the Year award. Ben Ayre (6.6 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 3.5 assists), originally an unpaid training player, joined the main roster as an injury replacement in April and set records during his eight-game stint. On April 18, 2022, Ayre scored 20 points and dished out 10 assists against Melbourne (80–92), becoming only the second player in Taipans history to achieve this feat.
Tahjere McCall emerged as Cairns’ standout performer during his debut season, leading the team in scoring (16.1 points), assists (5.5), and steals (2). His all-around contributions made him the only player in the league to finish in the top three for both assists and steals. McCall’s season culminated in a historic 42-point, 10-assist performance against Brisbane, marking the highest individual score in NBL22 and solidifying his place as one of the league’s elite guards.
The Taipans concluded the season with a 9–19 record, finishing second-last on the ladder. McCall and Machado (10.2 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 5.3 assists) were named co-MVPs, with Machado limited by a heel injury that saw him miss significant time.
2022/23
Tahjere McCall re-signed with the Taipans on a two-year deal, joining a roster that retained key players like Majok Deng, Bul Kuol, Keanu Pinder, and Mirko Djeric. Notable departures included Kouat Noi (to Sydney) and Nathan Jawai, who was not re-signed. New additions included Sam Waardenburg, Lat Mayen, and Jonah Antonio, while imports DJ Hogg and Shannon Scott replaced Machado and Zimmerman.
Cairns, predicted to finish last, defied expectations with a 5–1 start, including wins over Tasmania, South East Melbourne, and reigning champions Sydney. The Taipans frequently snapped opposition win streaks, including Brisbane’s three-game run (90–82) and Sydney’s record 17-game road streak (94–88). McCall transitioned to a bench role mid-season but remained a key contributor, scoring 18 points in the upset against Sydney.
Key wins included back-to-back victories over Melbourne, with Pinder (26 points, 10 rebounds) and Hogg (23 points) leading in the first game (81–77), and a dominant 25-point win in the rematch. McCall shone in a double-overtime thriller against Illawarra, scoring 23 points alongside Hogg as Cairns secured a 102–101 victory.
Despite losing Pinder to injuries twice during the season, the Taipans finished third with an 18–10 record. McCall (16.2 points, 5.6 rebounds, 4.1 assists, and 2 steals) appeared in 25 games, consistently delivering impactful performances. Pinder (16.9 points, 9.3 rebounds, and 2.4 assists) earned his second consecutive Most Improved Player award, while rookie Waardenburg (11.3 points, 5.6 rebounds) won the league’s Next Generation Award.
In the playoffs, Cairns defeated Perth (91–78) behind Hogg’s franchise-record 32 points in a postseason game. Despite McCall dislocating his shoulder in the play-in tournament, he returned to help Cairns win Game 2 of the semifinals against Sydney (93–82). However, the Taipans fell short in Game 3, with Sydney advancing to the Grand Final.
Tahjere McCall played three seasons the Cairns Taipans. He averaged 16.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, and 4.9 assists in 70 NBL games.
HIGHLIGHTS:
NBL TOTAL STATISTICS
| SEASON | AGE | TEAM | TEAM RECORD | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 26 | Cairns | 12-16 (8) | 23 | 714.0 | 390 | 111 | 122 | 27 | 84 | 43 | 5 | 72 | 73 | 140 | 310 | 45% | 19 | 63 | 30% | 91 | 138 | 66% | 52% | 48% | 30 |
| 2022-23 | 25 | Cairns | 18-10 (3) | 25 | 765.9 | 404 | 141 | 102 | 47 | 94 | 50 | 6 | 78 | 85 | 143 | 334 | 43% | 15 | 67 | 22% | 103 | 159 | 65% | 49% | 45% | 24 |
| 2021-22 | 24 | Cairns | 9-19 (9) | 22 | 688.9 | 354 | 120 | 123 | 28 | 92 | 43 | 10 | 77 | 68 | 129 | 315 | 41% | 23 | 89 | 26% | 73 | 112 | 65% | 48% | 45% | 42 | Totals | 70 | 2169 | 1148 | 372 | 347 | 102 | 270 | 136 | 21 | 227 | 226 | 412 | 959 | 43.0% | 57 | 219 | 26.0% | 267 | 409 | 65.3% | 50% | 46% | 42 |
NBL PER GAME STATISTICS
| SEASON | AGE | TEAM | TEAM RECORD | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023-24 | 26 | Cairns | 12-16 (8) | 23 | 31.0 | 17.0 | 4.8 | 5.3 | 1.2 | 3.7 | 1.9 | 0.2 | 3.1 | 3.2 | 6.1 | 13.5 | 45% | 0.8 | 2.7 | 30% | 4.0 | 6.0 | 66% | 52% | 48% | 30 |
| 2022-23 | 25 | Cairns | 18-10 (3) | 25 | 30.6 | 16.2 | 5.6 | 4.1 | 1.9 | 3.8 | 2.0 | 0.2 | 3.1 | 3.4 | 5.7 | 13.4 | 43% | 0.6 | 2.7 | 22% | 4.1 | 6.4 | 65% | 49% | 45% | 24 |
| 2021-22 | 24 | Cairns | 9-19 (9) | 22 | 31.3 | 16.1 | 5.5 | 5.6 | 1.3 | 4.2 | 2.0 | 0.5 | 3.5 | 3.1 | 5.9 | 14.3 | 41% | 1.0 | 4.0 | 26% | 3.3 | 5.1 | 65% | 48% | 45% | 42 | Total | 70 | 31.0 | 16.4 | 5.3 | 5.0 | 1.5 | 3.9 | 1.9 | 0.3 | 3.2 | 3.2 | 5.9 | 13.7 | 43.0% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 26.0% | 0.8 | 3.1 | 65.3% | 50% | 46% | 42 |
CAREER HIGHS
| POINTS | REBOUNDS | ASSISTS | STEALS | BLOCKS | TURNOVERS | TRIPLE DOUBLES | 42 | 11 | 15 | 5 | 2 | 9 | 0 |
|---|
NBA EXPERIENCE
After going undrafted in 2017 NBA draft, McCall joined the Brooklyn Nets for the 2017 NBA Summer League and would join them for training camp. McCall played two seasons with the Nets NBA G League affiliate in Long Island. On February 26, 2019, he signed a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets.
McCall re-joined the Long Island Nets after the conclusion of his 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets.
McCall spent multiple seasons in the NBA G League, playing for the College Park Skyhawks and Long Island Nets, where he won a championship playing alongside Mitch Creek and under former NBL coach Will Weaver.
During the shortened 2021 season, McCall won the G League Championship with the Lakeland Magic and averaged 11.9 points, 7.4 rebounds, and 3.3 assists for the Orlando-affiliate. He was named to the G League’s All-Defensive team and finished runner up in G League Defensive Player of the Year voting.
McCall played in the 2021 NBA Summer League with the Orlando Magic. He also attended the Washington Wizards mini-camp in 2022.
McCall played 1 games in the NBA. He averaged 4 points, 1 rebounds, and 0 assists per game over his NBA career.
NBA TRANSACTIONS:
- October 12, 2017: Signed a contract with the Brooklyn Nets
October 13, 2017: Waived by the Brooklyn Nets.
-
October 12, 2018: Signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Brooklyn Nets.
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October 13, 2018: Waived by the Brooklyn Nets.
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February 26, 2019: Signed a 10-day contract with the Brooklyn Nets.
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March 2, 2019: Assigned to the Long Island Nets of the G-League.
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September 20, 2019: Signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the Atlanta Hawks.
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October 18, 2019: Waived by the Atlanta Hawks.
| Season | Team | PTS | AST | STL | BLK | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 0 | 86% | 97% | 97% | 71% | ||||||
| 2 | 0 | 42 | 15 | 5 | 2 | ||||||
| Total | 412 | 959 | 43.0% | 57 | 219 | 26.0% |
NBA TOTAL STATISTICS
| YEAR | AGE | TEAM | POS | GP | GS | MINS | PTS | TRB | AST | ORB | DRB | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | 24 | Brooklyn | SG | 1 | 0 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 67% | 0 | 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 0% | 58% | 67% | Total | 1 | 0 | 8 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 3 | 67% | 0 | 1 | 0% | 0 | 1 | 0% |
NBA PER GAME STATISTICS
| YEAR | AGE | TEAM | POS | GP | GS | MINS | PTS | TRB | AST | ORB | DRB | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2018-19 | 24 | Brooklyn | SG | 1 | 0 | 8.0 | 4.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 1.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 67% | 0.0 | 1.0 | 0% | 0.0 | 1.0 | 0% | 58% | 67% | Total | 1 | 0 | 8.0 | 4.0 | 1.0 | 1.0 | 2.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 67% | 1.0 | 0% | 1.0 | 0% |
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
- France - Orléans Loiret Basket (2021), Fos Provence Basket (2023) | New Zealand - Otago (2022) | China -Guangdong (2025-2026)
McCall played 18 games for Orléans Loiret Basket in France as an injury replacement, averaging 6.1 points (48.4% FGP) 3.3 rebounds, 2.6 assists and 1.1 steals.
In 2022, Tahjere McCall played in New Zealand for the Otago Nuggets and averaged 9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 4.7 assists across 7 games. He left the team in mid June after being invited to a NBA summer training camp.
Following the 2022–23 NBL season, he joined Fos Provence Basket of the LNB Pro A.
In 2025, Tahjere signed a deal to play with Guangdong Southern Tigers for the 2025/26 season in Chinas CBA.
COLLEGE
Tahjere McCall played four seasons of NCAA Division I basketball split between Niagara University (2012–2014) and Tennessee State University (2015–2017), appearing in 117 career games with 92 starts while establishing himself as a versatile defensive guard and productive scorer.
McCall began his college career at Niagara, where he played two seasons from 2012–13 to 2013–14, appearing in 59 games with 37 starts and scoring 330 total points (5.6 ppg) across his Purple Eagles tenure. At Niagara as a freshman, he made 22 starts in 32 games, recorded his first career double-digit rebounds (eight) and posted career-best defensive markups early in his collegiate timeline, including a career-high nine rebounds versus Buffalo on December 8.
During his sophomore season at Niagara, McCall started 14 of 27 games while averaging 7.5 points per game, pacing the team in multiple statistical categories at times and showing his emerging two-way game with a mix of rebounding, assists and steals.
After the 2013–14 season, McCall transferred to Tennessee State and sat out the 2014–15 season per NCAA transfer rules before resuming active play in 2015–16.
In his first season with the Tennessee State Tigers in 2015–16, McCall became one of the Ohio Valley Conference’s most dynamic wings, starting 28 of 31 games and averaging 14.6 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 2.3 steals per game in 30.1 minutes. He led TSU in scoring 12 times and in assists 15 times, twice scored 30+ points (including a career-high 32 points on 11-for-14 shooting at Belmont), and contributed in every facet of the box score, including a double-double (17 points, 10 rebounds) at Tennessee Tech.
McCall’s senior season in 2016–17 marked the peak of his collegiate production as he averaged 14.3 points, 5.0 rebounds, 5.1 assists and 2.8 steals in 32.1 minutes per game, while setting TSU’s single-season steals record with 72 swipes and ranking ninth nationally in steals per game (2.32). He scored 23 points in his TSU debut versus Loyola Maryland, dished eight assists in a win over Stetson, and was a statistically balanced impact player throughout the schedule.
Across his two seasons in the Ohio Valley Conference, McCall was recognised for his defensive excellence with back-to-back OVC Defensive Player of the Year awards (2016 & 2017) and earned First-Team All-OVC honours twice, cementing his status as one of the league’s premier two-way guards.
McCall finished his collegiate career with averages of 10.0 points, 4.1 rebounds, 3.1 assists and 1.9 steals per game across all stops, showing consistent growth each season and leaving Tennessee State as a program leader in defensive categories and all-around contributions.
AWARDS
- NBA G League champion (2021)
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NBA G League All-Defensive Team (2021)
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2× First-team All-OVC (2016, 2017)
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2× OVC Defensive Player of the Year (2016, 2017)
Related
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