NBL Coach of the Year Mike Kelly has signed with the Cairns Taipans for another two seasons.
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The Taipans won only six games last year in their first season under Kelly, but lifted that to 16 to secure third place and a semi-final series with Perth Wildcats this season.
The Snakes won 14 of their last 18 games to finish third, despite losing their opening three games of the season.
Californian Kelly, who was named as the league's best coach at an awards ceremony last week, was set to come out of contract at season's end.
Kelly, 52, joined Cairns in April 2018, fresh from winning the 2018 NBL Championship as an assistant with Melbourne United.
"The focus is on our first game in Perth next Friday, but I love it here and everything is going great with the club so I couldn't be happier to know I'll be here for the next two years," Kelly said.
"Everything is looking great for myself and the club."
The Taipans face the Wildcats in the first match of their semi-final series at the RAC Arena on Friday.
Australian Associated Press