Defensive dynamo Kann ready for any challenge

Relentless defender Chris Kann will form a key part of the Townsville Heat’s guard rotation after singing on for the upcoming NBL1 North season.

The 188cm veteran has a wealth of state league experience and will bring his trademark defensive tenacity and smarts as an impact player off the bench for the Heat again this season.

Kann first played for the Heat as a 17-year-old and the former Townsville Crocodiles development player said he hangs his hat on his defensive work and always looks forward to doing battle with imports and NBL-level players.

“I just try to prioritise what I know I can provide the team and defence has always been my strength growing up and coming through the ranks,” he said.

“It’s always exciting taking on high-level players and I’m a bit of a nerd of the game as well so I like watching film and having a bit of an understanding for what my opponent’s tendencies are before I go in.

“Ipswich have just signed James Young who has played 100-odd NBA games, I’ve played against NBL stars like Jason Cadee and Nathan Sobey in the NBL1 North for the last couple of years, and you just learn so much playing those guys.

“It’s always appealing to take on the challenge and go up against guys like that. I don't mind getting physical and getting after guys, so I pride myself on that no matter what happens.”

Heat head coach John O’Farrell was full of praise for both the 28-year-old’s defence and his general approach to the game.

“Chris really is our stopper, he’s a bit of a mongrel on the ball and he gets under the opposition’s skin with his defence,” O’Farrell said.

“His defence is just so important for us and we had some wins last year that we probably shouldn’t have got just because of his efforts on that side of the ball.

“He's a very good, reliable on-ball defender but he’s also another player who can help us spread the floor because when he can get his feet inside the paint, he's a good decision maker.  

“We’ve got Cairns first up with the two Stattmann brothers and if you're not up and in their faces before you know it, the game's blown out, so we have to take that away from them early and Chris certainly can help lead that.”

Kann will be part of a loaded Heat backcourt alongside local talents Ethan Betts, Richard Peachey, Max Norton, ex-NBL veteran Chris Cedar and American sharpshooter Grant Teichmann. 

“I think we have a great combination of guards, we all play a bit differently and that can help us play a variety of different styles,” he said.  

Kann adds to an experienced Heat roster that also features athletic Illawarra Hawks big man Kuany, with the team currently hard at work in pre-season training.

The A. Gabrielli Constructions Townsville Flames and Aligned Townsville Heat will tip- off their NBL1 North campaigns on Saturday, May 3, when they host fierce rivals the Cairns Marlins and Dolphins at Carmichael Ford Stadium.