Taipans take Tiger Thomas

The Cairns Taipans have continued their recent player raid by signing former Melbourne Tigers forward Dave Thomas.

Earlier this week Cairns signed former Sydney Kings big man Ian Crosswhite and Thomas' signing adds more depth to a Taipans outfit that promised so much last season, but could only finish in sixth position on the NBL ladder.

Thomas, who is currently captaining the Canadian national team as it attempts to qualify for this year's Olympics, will return to Australia following the Beijing Games and join the Taipans for the 2008/09 NBL season.

The 31-year-old played a major role in the Tigers' championship success last season and Taipans coach Alan Black was thrilled at getting the import to sign with the club.

"Dave Thomas is a proven performer in the league and has been one of the top imports in the competition over the past six seasons," Black said.

"He brings championship-winning experience to the club and is just a flat out great player, a real competitor and regarded as one of the best imports in the league."

"He is athletic, can shoot the ball well and is a great defender. He was outstanding last season and we are looking forward to getting him on court as soon as his national team commitments are finished for pre-season training."

The Taipans will be the third NBL club of Thomas' career, with the Canadian having already played with the now defunct Canberra Cannons, before moving to the Tigers in 2004.