NICKNAME/S: Loughzy

BIO: Alex Loughton was born in Perth (WA) and began playing basketball as a junior with the Bunbury basketball program. He later played with the Wanneroo Basketball Association, playing for the Wolves’ SBL team between 2000 and 2002 in between a year spent at the Australian Institute of Sport.

During that time he also played with the Australian Under-20 team where he averaged 17.4 points and 10.3 rebounds.

Loughton received a scholarship to play college ball with Old Dominion University for four years before declaring for the 2006 NBA draft where he went undrafted.

Loughton played for the Orlando Magic during the Pepsi Pro Summer League before returning to Australia to play in the NBL. Loughton received a scholarship to attend the Australian Institute of Sport (Canberra) in 2001. He spent one year there and played for the program’s state league team.

NBL EXPERIENCE

Alex Loughton made his NBL debut with the Perth Wildcats at 24 years of age. He scored 20 points in his first game.

After being eliminated in the first round of the playoffs, the Wildcats moved on from veteran Tony Ronaldson (to New Zealand) and guard Damien Ryan (Europe), looking to get younger and bigger. They replaced them with Alex Loughton (Spain) and Tom Garlepp (NCAA). After an impressive debut season, Perth could not retain import Darren Brooks, who received several lucrative offers from overseas, and replaced him with Rashad Phillips.

Despite leading the league in assists, Phillips (13.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, and 7.5 assists) was released six games into the season, with the team sitting on a 3-3 record. Head coach Scott Fisher cited Phillips’ fitness as the main issue.

‘Unfortunately, Rashad never really showed us the athleticism or intensity needed to make himself or those around him better. Plus, he never really contributed to the defensive side of things. He lacked the leadership and on-court management that this group needs. So we felt it was in the best interest of the club to delist him.’

The team immediately replaced him with Gerald Brown (13.0 points, 3.6 rebounds, and 3.6 assists), a former teammate of Luc Longley at the Phoenix Suns.

Rookie Loughton (14.5 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.8 assists, and 1.0 steals) impressed during his first season, finishing second in Rookie of the Year voting (losing to Nathan Jawai). Shawn Redhage (22.9 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.3 assists) delivered a career-high scoring season, including a career-high 40 points against Adelaide (10 Oct 2007), and became the fastest Wildcat to reach 2,000 career points, doing so in 95 games and 3,400 minutes. Captain Paul Rogers (12.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 blocks) proved he was still one of the competition’s elite big men, earning a spot on the All-NBL Third Team, joining Redhage, who earned a spot on the All-NBL First Team. Despite high-level performances from Redhage and Rogers, the team struggled on the road. They were nearly unbeatable at home (12-3) but woeful in away games (6-9), finishing the season in fourth place (18-12).

Much like their regular season results, Perth was able to win at home but struggled on the road in the playoffs. They defeated fifth seed Townsville at home (96-78) in their quarterfinal match-up, but when they reached the semi-finals against Sydney, they were outmatched. Perth pushed the Kings to the limit on their home court in Game 1 (101-98) but rebounded behind a huge game from Redhage (35 points) to win Game 2 at home (94-85). However, Sydney handed Perth their worst loss of the season in Game 3 (109-77), ending their playoff run. Shortly after, coach Fisher announced he would not seek a new contract from the Wildcats and would return to the United States.

Redhage was selected to the All-NBL First Team, while captain Paul Rogers (12.2 points, 9.2 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 1.2 blocks) showed he was still one of the competition’s elite big men, earning a spot on the All-NBL Third Team.

2008/09
After four seasons of leading the Wildcats, coach Scott Fisher decided it was time to return to his family in the US. Upon Fisher’s announcement that he would not return after leading the Wildcats to within one game of the Grand Final, a worldwide search was conducted for his replacement. Ultimately, Fisher’s successor would be Conner Henry, a former college teammate of Fisher’s, who had been with the Wildcats since 2006 as an assistant coach.

The core of the Wildcats’ roster—Shawn Redhage, Alex Loughton, Peter Crawford, and Paul Rogers—would all return. The only major changes to the local roster were the additions of Ben Knight (via Singapore), Chris Goulding (via Brisbane), and rookie Stephen Weigh. With Shawn Redhage becoming a naturalised Australian (Jan 2008), the Wildcats had the luxury of being able to sign two new imports: athletic forward Isiah Victor (via Sydney) and Darnell Hinson (via West Sydney). Both players delivered solid debut NBL seasons the year prior.

Perth entered the season fighting through multiple injuries, with guards Adam Caporn, Brad Robbins, and Peter Crawford all managing knee issues. The team deactivated starting center Rogers due to a lingering knee complaint. This allowed Perth to pull off a major recruiting coup, beating Melbourne Tigers and South Dragons for the signature of former Boomers point guard Luke Kendall.

At the mid-way point of the season, Rogers returned to the lineup, forcing the Wildcats to release Kendall (8.5 points, 2.2 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 1.2 steals), who had become a key reserve with Robbins playing in only three games all season. Kendall signed with Melbourne shortly after, replacing Sam MacKinnon. Team captain Rogers (9 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.0 blocks) played in only two games before suffering a ruptured disc in his back that required surgery, ending his season.

Perth’s efforts during the regular season were similar to the previous year. The Wildcats were dominant at home (11-4) but inconsistent on the road (6-9), finishing in fourth place (17-13) for the second year in a row. Shawn Redhage (19.2 points, 8.0 rebounds, and 3.5 assists) led the team in scoring and rebounding, earning a spot on the All-NBL Second Team. Hinson (13.8 points, 4.6 rebounds, 5.0 assists, and 1.7 steals), Loughton (13 points, 4.3 rebounds, and 2.0 assists), and Victor (12.8 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 1.0 assists) also played key roles.

In the postseason, Perth faced fifth-seed Townsville in the Elimination Finals but were defeated (103-96), ending their playoff run and ensuring Conner Henry’s tenure lasted only one season.

CAIRNS TAIPANS
2010/11
After finishing one loss away from the wooden spoon in 2010, the Taipans underwent a major overhaul of their roster. While the core group of Ian Crosswhite, Dusty Rychart, Aaron Grabau, and captain Phill Jones remained, Cairns replaced the rest of last year’s roster. Alex Loughton, the team’s major signing, returned to Australia after a season spent in Spain. Daniel Dillon, who had spent the past season in the state league, signed on as the Snakes’ backup point guard, and imports Ayinde Ubaka and Ron Dorsey replaced Julien Mills and Rich Melzer.

After a modest start to the season, with only one win from their first three games, the Taipans became the surprise package of the year. The team won five in a row and jumped from 7th place in round three to 2nd place by round nine.

A well-balanced attack from Cairns saw Ubaka (13.9 points, 2.7 rebounds, 4.0 assists), Dorsey (13.1 points, 4.9 rebounds, 1.2 assists), Loughton (11.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, 1.7 assists), and Crosswhite (11.6 points, 6.7 rebounds, 2.5 assists) all score in double figures.

The Taipans finished the season on a four-game winning streak and secured third place (16–12).

The semi-finals saw them lose to Townsville in the opening game of the series before winning games two and three to advance to the Grand Final series for the first time in franchise history.

Facing off against New Zealand, Cairns suffered a heavy loss in the series opener (85–67) in Auckland before returning to Cairns for Game 2. There, the Taipans looked set for a three-point win in regulation before a three-pointer from Breakers guard CJ Bruton in the dying seconds sent the match into overtime. However, five minutes later, Dorsey returned the favor, wiping out the Breakers’ three-point lead with a miraculous long-range buzzer-beater, which led to the first game in NBL history heading into double overtime. With momentum now on their side, the Taipans took home a nail-biting double-overtime win (85–81), sending the series back to New Zealand for a third game.

The Taipans lacked the same spark in Game 3, with import pair Ubaka and Dorsey shooting 4-of-26 between them, and the Breakers won comfortably by 18 points (71–53).

Loughton appeared in 31 games, averaging 11.7 points, 5.5 rebounds, and 1.7 assists for the season.

2011/12
During the 2011/12 season, Loughton averaged 11.8 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.6 assists and was part of the Taipans squad that finished in fifth place with a record of 15-13.

2012/13
In the 2012/13 season, Loughton averaged 10.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.7 assists, helping guide the Taipans to a sixth-place finish in the regular season with a 11-17 record.

2013/14
In the 2013/14 season, Loughton averaged 12.3 points, 5 rebounds, and 1.8 assists as the Taipans finished in fifth place with a 12-16 record.

2014/15
A 12-16 finish in 2013/14 left Cairns fifth and outside the playoffs, but Aaron Fearne kept captain Alex Loughton, Cameron Gliddon, Cameron Tragardh, Stephen Weigh, Matt Burston, Mitchell Young and Shaun Bruce together for another season. Jamar Wilson (to Adelaide), Clint Steindl (to Townsville) and Demetri McCamey departed, while Scottie Wilbekin (via Florida), Torrey Craig (via USC Upstate) and Corey Maynard (via Bryant) were added to the roster.

Cairns began its season in Adelaide on October 10, with Loughton (15 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) helping the Taipans defeat the 36ers 97-87. Wilbekin (23 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) and Craig (19 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) provided the other major contributions, while former Taipan Wilson (22 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal) led Adelaide.

Loughton (11.2 points and 4.5 rebounds across 32 games) appeared in every Cairns game and remained the experienced leader of Fearne’s frontcourt. Cairns became the first NBL team to use the same starting five of Wilbekin, Gliddon, Weigh, Loughton and Burston throughout all 28 regular-season games, with the continuity helping the Taipans open the season 6-0.

Loughton’s best regular-season performance came in Townsville on January 3, where he scored a season-high 22 points and delivered alongside Tragardh (18 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Weigh (14 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal). Brian Conklin produced 33 points and 11 rebounds for the Crocodiles, but Loughton and Tragardh combined for 19 of Cairns’ 26 fourth-quarter points as the Taipans escaped with a 79-75 victory.

Cairns’ depth changed during January after Maynard injured his left thumb and Bruce also missed time, with training player Nathan Sobey elevated into the squad. Maynard recovered before the postseason, but Sobey remained in the active lineup for the finals.

Wilbekin (15.2 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 4.3 assists across 32 games) led Cairns in scoring and assists, collected the club MVP and Best Defensive Player awards and was selected to the All-NBL First Team. Tragardh (12.1 points and 4.8 rebounds across 32 games) was named NBL Best Sixth Man, while Gliddon (10.5 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.2 steals across 32 games), Craig (8.9 points and 5.7 rebounds across 32 games), Weigh (8.1 points and 3.2 rebounds across 32 games) and Burston (7 points and 5.2 rebounds across 32 games) formed the other major pieces around Loughton. Fearne was named NBL Coach of the Year, while Loughton received Cairns’ Members’ Choice MVP and Commitment to Community awards.

Loughton matched his season-high in the final regular-season game against New Zealand on February 22, marking his 200th NBL appearance with 22 points and scoring seven of Cairns’ first 12 points. Wilbekin finished with 25 points, while Ekene Ibekwe led the Breakers with 17 points and 13 rebounds. Cairns won 81-77 in Auckland for its ninth victory in ten games, finishing 21-7 and securing the first minor premiership in franchise history while becoming the first regional NBL team since Geelong in 1984 to finish on top of the ladder.

Cairns hosted fourth-placed Perth in game one of the semifinals, where Loughton (5 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) remained in the starting lineup as the Taipans won 71-64. Wilbekin (23 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal) and Tragardh (16 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) led Cairns, while Jermaine Beal (20 points and 4 rebounds) and Damian Martin (7 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 6 steals) were Perth’s main contributors.

Game two shifted to Perth Arena, where Loughton (11 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) joined all four of his fellow starters in double figures. Wilbekin (16 points, 11 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Weigh (16 points and 3 rebounds) led the Taipans, while Beal scored 21 points and Matthew Knight finished with 18 points and 10 rebounds for Perth. Cairns won 80-68 to complete the 2-0 sweep of the defending champions and advance to the second Grand Final series in club history.

Minor premier Cairns held home-court advantage against New Zealand, but Loughton (10 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 block) and the Taipans fell 86-71 in game one. Wilbekin scored 16 points and Gliddon added 13 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals, while Cedric Jackson (22 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) and Ibekwe (19 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks) led the Breakers. Cairns cut a 16-point halftime deficit to one by three-quarter time before New Zealand pulled away again in the fourth.

Game two in Auckland saw Loughton finish with 4 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 steal as Cairns attempted to keep its championship hopes alive. Tragardh (17 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 block), Gliddon (16 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Craig (16 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 assists) led the Taipans, while Thomas Abercrombie scored 19 points and Jackson added 15 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals for New Zealand. Wilbekin tied the game from the free-throw line with 1.2 seconds remaining, but Ibekwe (14 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks) caught the ensuing inbound pass and hit a fadeaway jumper at the buzzer to give the Breakers an 83-81 victory and complete the 2-0 Grand Final sweep. Jackson was named Grand Final MVP as Cairns was denied its first NBL championship.

2015/16
After becoming the first regional team since Geelong in 1984 to finish first with a 21-7 record before losing the Grand Final series 2-0 to New Zealand, Cairns entered 2015/16 with Aaron Fearne returning as coach. Loughton had captained the minor-premiership side and started all 28 regular-season games, but Cameron Gliddon took over as captain for the new season. Scottie Wilbekin (to Philadelphia), Mitch Young (to Townsville), Corey Maynard (to Townsville) and Nathan Sobey (to Adelaide) departed, while Markel Starks (via Ferentino), Mark Worthington (via Melbourne) and Damon Heuir (via Cairns development player) joined and Torrey Craig re-signed. Wilbekin left for an NBA opportunity with Philadelphia, Sobey used free agency to sign a multi-year deal with Adelaide and Maynard was released at his own request to pursue increased playing time.

Cairns opened the season against Illawarra at the Cairns Convention Centre on October 8, where Loughton (12 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) started as Gliddon (19 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal) and Worthington (12 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 5 steals) helped the Taipans win 79-74, while Tim Coenraad (7 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) was one of Illawarra’s best.

Loughton (6.8 points and 3.8 rebounds across 28 games) moved into a reserve role for most of the season after starting every regular-season game the previous year. He started five games and came from the bench 23 times, appearing in all 28 games and not missing a game through injury or illness.

Loughton’s best and highest-scoring game of the season came against Illawarra at the Cairns Convention Centre on December 11, where he made 7-of-13 shots and finished with 17 points, 12 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block in more than 40 minutes. Starks (33 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists) and Gliddon (19 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) provided the other major contributions, while Kevin Lisch (30 points, 3 rebounds, and 5 assists) led Illawarra as Cairns prevailed 103-101 in double overtime.

Cairns later added Jack White (via BA Centre of Excellence) as an injury replacement during January, with White appearing in two games during the short-term stint.

Captain Gliddon (13.5 points and 4.3 rebounds across 28 games) led Cairns in scoring and won the club MVP award, while Starks (12.5 points across 26 games), Craig (11.6 points and 6.1 rebounds across 28 games) and Worthington (11.3 points and 4.8 rebounds across 28 games) were the Taipans’ other leading contributors. Craig received the Members’ Choice MVP award, Worthington was named Best Defensive Player and also played his 300th NBL game during the season, Bruce (5.9 points across 28 games) received both the Coaches Award and Players’ Player award and Weigh (7.9 points and 3.2 rebounds across 20 games) received the Commitment to Community award.

Cairns’ season ended in Townsville on February 11, where Loughton (5 points, 1 rebound, and 1 assist) came from the bench as Gliddon (16 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) and Weigh (14 points and 5 rebounds) led the Taipans, while Omar Samhan (14 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 blocks) led Townsville to an 85-68 victory, leaving Cairns sixth with a 12-16 record and outside the playoffs.

2016/17
After finishing sixth with a 12-16 record and missing the playoffs in 2015/16, Cairns returned under head coach Aaron Fearne with Cameron Gliddon remaining captain. Markel Starks (to Koroivos), Torrey Craig (to Brisbane), Matt Burston (not re-signed), Cameron Tragardh (to Mackay) and Shaun Bruce (to Brisbane) departed, while Alex Loughton, Mark Worthington, Stephen Weigh and Damon Heuir returned. Fearne added Nathan Jawai (via Perth), Travis Trice (via Westchester), Mitch McCarron (via Palencia), Fuquan Edwin (via Ironi Nes Ziona), Nnanna Egwu (via Erie) and Jarrad Weeks (via Illawarra).

Cairns opened the season at Perth Arena on October 8, where Loughton (1 point, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist) started as Gliddon (20 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists), Egwu (14 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block) and Weeks (11 points and 3 assists) led the Taipans, but Jaron Johnson (26 points and 5 rebounds) and Casey Prather (23 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists) helped Perth win 84-74 in overtime.

Loughton (6.6 points and 3 rebounds across 26 games) appeared in 24 regular-season games and both semifinals, starting five times. A thumb injury following the opening three games ruled him out against Melbourne on October 27, Illawarra on October 30 and both games against Sydney on November 5 and November 7, accounting for all four games he missed during the season. Although he had initially been expected to remain sidelined longer, Loughton returned against New Zealand on November 11, finishing with 3 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 assist as Gliddon (25 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block), Worthington (17 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 steal) and Edwin (14 points) led Cairns to an 86-79 victory, while Thomas Abercrombie (18 points and 6 rebounds) and Corey Webster (17 points and 3 assists) led the Breakers.

His best game came against New Zealand at Vector Arena on January 26, where Loughton (21 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 steal) made 8-of-11 field goals and 3-of-5 three-pointers as Cairns defeated the Breakers 94-81. Gliddon (26 points and 1 steal) made seven three-pointers and Weeks (13 points and 6 assists) provided support, while Kirk Penney (18 points), Mika Vukona (16 points and 6 rebounds) and Akil Mitchell (13 points, 11 rebounds, and 1 block) led New Zealand. Mitchell suffered a serious eye injury while contesting a rebound with Egwu during the fourth quarter and was taken to hospital, with early examinations confirming he retained vision in the injured eye. The victory completed Cairns’ four-game season sweep of New Zealand and improved the Taipans to 11-12.

Three days later Loughton (11 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block) made four of eight shots as Cairns defeated Brisbane 97-83 for its third consecutive victory and moved to 12-12. Trice (27 points, 4 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal) made five three-pointers, Worthington (14 points and 4 assists) and Tony Mitchell (12 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block) provided support, while Jeremy Kendle (24 points and 2 steals) and Craig (22 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) led Brisbane.

Loughton produced his second-highest scoring game against Perth at the Cairns Convention Centre on February 5, finishing with 13 points, 2 assists, and 1 steal as the Taipans kept their season alive with an 85-77 victory. Jawai (22 points and 9 rebounds) controlled the paint, Tony Mitchell (20 points and 2 steals) provided another scoring option and McCarron (8 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 block) supplied energy from the bench, while Bryce Cotton (26 points and 5 assists), Jesse Wagstaff (13 points) and Damian Martin (10 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 assists) led Perth. The victory moved Cairns to 13-13 with two regular-season games remaining.

Edwin (8.1 points and 3.5 rebounds across 20 games) (to Prishtina) had been released from his contract on January 19 for personal reasons with Cairns sitting 9-11. Tony Mitchell (8.6 points across 10 games) (via Hapoel Eilat) was signed the following day as his replacement with eight regular-season games remaining, making him eligible for the postseason under the NBL’s 25 percent rule. “We obviously need some scoring punch, and that’s what we’re hoping he’ll give us,” Fearne said. Cairns lost Mitchell’s debut in Perth before winning six of its final seven regular-season games.

Cairns completed the regular season in Adelaide on February 11, where Loughton (6 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) helped the Taipans defeat the league-leading 36ers 98-89 and secure home-court advantage for the semifinals. Trice (18 points), Gliddon (16 points and 5 assists), Weeks (16 points and 4 assists) and Weigh (14 points) led Cairns, while Jerome Randle (24 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists), Mitch Creek (16 points and 9 rebounds) and Daniel Johnson (13 points and 4 rebounds) led Adelaide. The victory completed a 15-13 regular season and left Cairns second on the ladder.

Trice (14.6 points, 3.5 assists, and 1.2 steals across 26 games) led Cairns in scoring and won the Taipans’ Most Valuable Player award, while Gliddon (10.6 points, 3 rebounds, 3.1 assists, and 1.2 steals across 30 games) remained a key two-way presence as captain. Jawai (10.1 points and 4.3 rebounds across 29 games) provided the interior scoring, while Worthington (9.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 3.3 assists across 28 games) announced on January 22 that he would retire at the end of the season and received the Members’ Choice MVP award. McCarron (7.2 points and 3.8 rebounds across 29 games) won Best Defensive Player and Commitment to Community, while Weeks (6.3 points across 30 games), Weigh (5.4 points across 29 games) and Egwu (5.1 points and 3.7 rebounds across 30 games) provided the other major contributions. Egwu received the Coaches Award and Heuir (3 points across 18 games) was named Players’ Player.

Cairns opened its semifinal series against defending champion Perth at the Cairns Convention Centre, where Loughton (5 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 steal), Trice (15 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals), Worthington (11 points, 4 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) and Egwu (9 points) led the Taipans, but Cotton (34 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals), Prather (22 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals) and Matthew Knight (14 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block) powered the Wildcats to a 91-69 victory and a 1-0 series lead.

Game two moved to Perth Arena, where Loughton (5 points and 3 rebounds), Trice (22 points and 5 assists), Tony Mitchell (17 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal) and Egwu (9 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals) led Cairns, but Prather (24 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists), Wagstaff (20 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals) and Knight (12 points) helped Perth win 74-66 and complete the 2-0 semifinal sweep, while Worthington (3 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) played his 335th and final NBL game.

2017/18
After finishing second with a 15-13 record before losing their semifinal series 2-0 to Perth the previous season, Cairns returned under coach Aaron Fearne with Cameron Gliddon remaining captain. Travis Trice (to Brisbane), Mark Worthington (retired) and Fuquan Edwin (to Kauhajoki) departed, while Dayshon “Scoochie” Smith (via Dayton), Michael Carrera (via Marinos de Anzoátegui) and Kuany Kuany (via Chaminade) were added. Carrera suffered a medial meniscus tear in his right knee during a preseason game against Perth on September 23 and underwent surgery, ruling him out for four to six weeks, with Jerry Evans Jr (via Sandringham) signed to a short-term contract as his injury replacement before the season began.

Cairns opened the season at home against Illawarra on October 6, where Loughton (19 points and 3 rebounds) scored 16 points in the second half and made the game-winning free throw with 0.8 seconds remaining to give the Taipans an 88-87 win. McCarron (14 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal) and Jawai (12 points and 4 rebounds) provided support, while AJ Ogilvy (22 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) led Illawarra. Jawai injured his left foot during the second quarter, with scans later revealing a partial ligament tear which required surgery and ruled him out for 12 weeks. After the game Loughton said, “That felt really good, great game to start our season. Tonight it was my number the next game it might not be.”

Loughton (12.6 points and 3.6 rebounds across 28 games) played all 28 games without an injury absence and produced his highest scoring average since his second NBL season in 2008/09. With Worthington retired and Cairns’ frontcourt repeatedly hit by injuries, his role increased considerably from the previous season. Carrera (14.2 points and 3.6 rebounds across 5 games) missed the opening four games following knee surgery, with Evans Jr (7.5 points and 4.6 rebounds across 22 games) playing those four games as his temporary injury replacement. Carrera returned against Perth on October 22 and Evans dropped out of the active rotation for the next six games, but Carrera suffered an ankle injury against Melbourne on November 9 and Evans was brought back, returning against Illawarra on November 18. Carrera’s ankle failed to recover as hoped and he was released on December 14, with Evans assuming a full-time role for the remainder of the season.

Jawai (5.4 points across 7 games), who had already returned from off-season shoulder surgery for the opening game, missed the next 19 games following surgery on his injured foot. Cairns signed Chris Patton (via Kilsyth) as a separate injury replacement for Jawai, meaning the Taipans were forced to fund a second injury-replacement contract after already activating Evans for Carrera. Patton (1.7 points across 13 games) provided frontcourt cover until Jawai returned against New Zealand on January 7, remained with Cairns through January and was later released before signing with Melbourne. The injuries to Carrera and Jawai left Loughton carrying a greater share of the frontcourt responsibility for much of the season.

On October 20, Loughton became only the third player to reach 200 NBL games for Cairns and was the only player on the roster remaining from both the Taipans’ 2011 and 2015 Grand Final teams. With Carrera and Jawai both sidelined at the time, Loughton said, “You’ve got to evolve and keep contributing, not just be a towel waver.”

Loughton’s best game of the season came against Adelaide on Christmas Eve, where he made all three of his three-point attempts and finished with 20 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block as Cairns defeated the 36ers 94-75 at Titanium Security Arena. Gliddon (27 points, 2 steals, and 1 block) made seven three-pointers and McCarron (17 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals) was in everything as Cairns recorded its biggest ever win in Adelaide, while Josh Childress (20 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) led the 36ers.

A week later Loughton produced his season-high scoring performance against Perth on New Year’s Eve, finishing with 23 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists for his third consecutive game with more than 20 points. Gliddon (14 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) and McCarron (13 points and 11 rebounds) also contributed, but Bryce Cotton (23 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) led Perth to an 83-68 win.

Loughton continued his strong run against Brisbane on January 5, finishing with 22 points, 1 rebound, 2 assists, and 1 steal for his fourth consecutive game with more than 20 points as Cairns defeated the Bullets 83-80 and kept its finals hopes alive. McCarron (16 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) and Weeks (15 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal) helped the Taipans hold off Brisbane, while Daniel Kickert (27 points and 8 rebounds) and Trice (26 points and 5 assists) led the Bullets.

Gliddon (12.5 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals across 28 games) led Cairns from the perimeter and shared the club’s Most Valuable Player award with McCarron (11.2 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.2 steals across 28 games), who finished seventh in NBL MVP voting with 66 votes. Smith (10 points across 28 games), Weeks (8.3 points across 28 games), Weigh (5.7 points across 18 games) and Egwu (5.3 points and 4.7 rebounds across 28 games) rounded out Cairns’ rotation.

Loughton’s resurgence was recognised at the Taipans’ awards, where he collected the Members’ Choice MVP, Coaches Award and Players’ Player awards. His form was also rewarded following the season when he was selected for the NBL All-Australian team which travelled to China to face the Chinese national team in June.

The season was Fearne’s last as head coach, with Cairns deciding not to renew his contract after a 19-season association with the organisation, including nine seasons as head coach. Fearne said the club had decided “that it is time for a new voice to carry the club forward into a new era.”

Cairns closed the season against Perth at Perth Arena on February 18, where Loughton (5 points and 3 rebounds), Gliddon (12 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal), Evans Jr (12 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) and McCarron (8 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) were unable to stop Cotton (24 points and 6 assists) as the Wildcats won 89-61. Cairns finished sixth with an 11-17 record and missed the playoffs.

2018/19
After Cairns finished sixth with an 11-17 record the previous season, the Taipans moved in a new direction by replacing long-time coach Aaron Fearne with Mike Kelly. The roster also underwent a major overhaul, with Cameron Gliddon (to Brisbane), Mitchell McCarron (to Melbourne), Jarrad Weeks (to New Zealand) and Stephen Weigh (retired) all departing.

One of Kelly’s first moves was re-signing captain Alex Loughton, while Nathan Jawai and Kuany Kuany also returned. Lucas Walker (via Perth), Jarrod Kenny (via Perth), Dexter Kernich-Drew (via Perth), Rob Loe (via New Zealand) and Mitch Young (via Brisbane) were added alongside imports Melo Trimble, Devon Hall and DJ Newbill (via New Zealand). Coming off a strong 2017/18 season, the veteran was also selected to the NBL All-Australian team that travelled to China in June.

Cairns opened the season in Brisbane on October 13, where Loughton (2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) started as the Taipans defeated the Bullets 88-70. Trimble (32 points, 7 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) starred on debut and Newbill (16 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) also impressed, while Reuben Te Rangi (18 points and 3 rebounds) led Brisbane.

Loughton (6.5 points and 3 rebounds across 25 games) remained Cairns’ captain and started nine games, although his playing time and offensive role were reduced from the previous season. He missed three consecutive games from November 11 through November 23, with the captain reported to be recovering from an ankle injury during that stretch, before returning against Illawarra on December 7.

After winning its opener, Cairns lost 14 consecutive games before finally breaking the drought against Brisbane on January 3. Loughton (5 points, 2 rebounds, and 1 block) played 16 minutes as the Taipans won 109-80 behind Hall (24 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal) and Jawai (18 points and 4 assists), while Lamar Patterson (27 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Brisbane.

Four days later, Loughton (10 points and 4 rebounds) played his 300th NBL game as Cairns hosted Sydney. Trimble (22 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Jawai (16 points, 9 rebounds, and 7 assists) led the Taipans, while Andrew Bogut (15 points and 17 rebounds) controlled the paint for Sydney in an 86-82 Kings victory.

On February 2, Loughton announced he would retire from the NBL at the end of the season, bringing to a close an 11-season career split between Perth and Cairns.

His final home game came against Brisbane on February 9, where Loughton (11 points and 5 rebounds) scored the match-winning points in the final minute as Cairns defeated the Bullets 79-68 in front of more than 5,000 fans. Trimble (23 points and 4 rebounds) and Newbill (10 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals) helped Cairns to the win, while Jeremy Kendle (17 points) led Brisbane. After addressing the crowd following the game, Loughton said, “It was a great way to finish.”

Five days later, Loughton (14 points and 6 rebounds) made three three-pointers as Cairns upset defending champions Melbourne 87-85. Trimble (21 points, 5 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals) and Newbill (17 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) also produced strong games, while Chris Goulding (22 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Melbourne, with the victory giving Cairns consecutive wins for the first time that season.

Trimble (21.9 points, 3.8 rebounds, 4.6 assists, and 1.2 steals) led Cairns offensively and earned All-NBL Second Team honours as well as the Taipans’ club MVP award. Newbill (14.3 points and 4 rebounds), Jawai (10 points and 5.2 rebounds), Hall (8.8 points and 4.3 rebounds), Loe (7.5 points and 4.8 rebounds) and Walker (6.1 points and 4 rebounds) were the team’s other major contributors, but Cairns managed only a 3-11 record at home and 3-11 on the road.

Loughton’s best game of the season came in his final NBL appearance against Sydney at Qudos Bank Arena on February 16, where he made five of seven three-pointers and finished with 17 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 assist. Trimble (21 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Kenny (13 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) provided support, while Bogut (12 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 5 blocks) led Sydney to an 89-84 victory, leaving Cairns last with a 6-22 record.

Alex Loughton played eleven seasons in the NBL, playing for both the Cairns Taipans and the Perth Wildcats. He averaged 10.7 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.5 assists in 311 NBL games.