Gliddon slips into captain's role

Cameron Gliddon cemented his reputation as one of Australia's blue chip basketballers when he was named captain of the Cairns Taipans for the 2014-15 NBL season last week.

The leadership role, announced ahead of the Taipans' season opener against Adelaide tomorrow night, comes after the 25-year-old was named Cairns' MVP in just his second year with the club.

Gliddon also played four games for the Boomers against China in the Sino-Australia Challenge earlier this year before narrowly missing out on a spot in the national side for last month'[s FIBA World Cup.

The Bunbury-raised shooting guard was elected captain via team ballot and said he was looking forward to the added responsibility.

"I was pretty shocked when I found out but knowing that the team voted on it makes it easier because you know the guys have faith in you," he said.

"My role won't really change and I've always had a big voice in the locker room so it's really just a title.

"I don’t feel any extra pressure, I think it will make me a better player because being captain forces you to focus a little bit harder."

Gliddon's captaincy is indicative of a youth movement at the Taipans, who have not finished higher than fifth since making the grand final in 2010-11.

"We’ve kept seven players from last year but our two imports (American university graduates Torrey Craig and Scottie Wilbekin) are young and hungry to win," Gliddon said.

"I'd say our back court is pretty young but our forwards are more experienced so I think we’ve got a good mix."

Gliddon missed the start of the Taipans' preseason with a back complaint, the same injury that ruled him out of three games last season, but is now 100 per cent and ready for tomorrow's clash with the 36ers.

"I did an exercise in the weight room with a bit too much weight which set me back but I’m on top of it now and just have to be a bit more cautious," he said.

"Missing three games during the season last year set me back quite a bit so I’m pretty glad this happened before the games started."

Gliddon and the Taipans begin their season against former teammate Jamar Wilson in Adelaide tomorrow night before travelling to Melbourne to take on fellow Bunbury product Mark Worthington and rebranded franchise United on Sunday.

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