ATH earns 2025 Warriors Summer League spot

• Alex Higgins-Titsha averaged 6.2 ppg and 3.9 rpg for the Cairns Taipans
• He is representing Australia at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup in Mongolia
• He joins the Warriors Summer League roster after the Warriors signed former Taipans teammate Taran Armstrong

Cairns Taipans wing Alex Higgins-Titsha ascent has reached new heights with confirmation the 24-year-old has secured a coveted NBA Summer League opportunity with the NBA's Golden State Warriors.

NBL Media's Peter Hooley reports Higgins-Titsha caught the attention of Warriors personnel during a recent mini-camp with the storied franchise.

His agent LobX's Andre Williams has indicated the athletic wing has positioned himself favourably.

It was Higgins-Titsha's combination of elite athleticism, relentless energy, and defensive intensity that distinguished him amongst other hopefuls at the camp.

These attributes, which have become hallmarks of his playing style during his time with the Taipans, clearly translated well at the next level during the Warriors' evaluation process.

Pathway to the NBA

For players outside the traditional NBA Draft pathway, Summer League represents a crucial platform to showcase their abilities directly to decision-makers across the league. The competition, which typically runs throughout July, brings together rookies, young players, and international prospects competing for limited roster spots.

A strong showing in Summer League can lead to various professional opportunities, including two-way contracts that allow players to split time between the NBA and the G-League (the NBA's official developmental league).

Higgins-Titsha is being considered for exactly this type of arrangement, which would represent an ideal next step in his developmental trajectory.

Two-way contracts have become increasingly valuable pathways for players on the cusp of breaking through to the NBA. These agreements allow organisations to develop promising talent while giving players the opportunity to earn NBA experience and exposure throughout a season.

Alternatively, securing a spot in the G League would still mark significant progress for the Taipans standout, placing him firmly within the NBA ecosystem and providing a direct pathway to potential call-ups.

The Warriors' interest in Higgins-Titsha aligns with the organisation's history of identifying and developing athletic, defensive-minded wings who can contribute within their system. Under head coach Steve Kerr, the Warriors have maintained a playing style that emphasises defensive versatility, transition basketball, and high-energy play — all areas which are considered strengths of Higgins-Titsha.

The Warriors return to the well with the Cairns Taipans, after their mid-season signing of former Taipan Taran Armstrong to a two-way deal which saw him contribute significantly to the Santa Cruz Warriors.

A Rapid Rise

For those who have followed Higgins-Titsha's career trajectory, this latest opportunity represents the continuation of a remarkable ascent through basketball's professional ranks. Just 12 months ago, the dynamic wing was still establishing himself within the NBL framework, working to translate his obvious physical tools into consistent on-court production.

His development with the Cairns Taipans has been nothing short of transformative. Beginning primarily as an energy player off the bench, Higgins-Titsha steadily expanded his role and influence, leveraging his exceptional athleticism to impact games on both ends of the court.

His ability to defend multiple positions, generate deflections, and finish in transition quickly made him a valuable rotation piece. As his confidence grew, so too did his overall impact, with improved decision-making and expanding offensive skills complementing his already disruptive defensive presence.

This growth caught the attention of not only NBL observers but evidently NBA scouts as well, culminating in this significant opportunity with one of basketball's most successful modern franchises.

From NBL to the International Stage

While preparing for his Summer League opportunity, Higgins-Titsha is representing Australia at the FIBA 3x3 World Cup in Mongolia, adding yet another dimension to his increasingly diverse basketball resume.

The 3x3 format, which made its Olympic debut at the Tokyo Games, presents unique challenges and opportunities for players. The half-court setting places premium value on one-on-one skills, physical strength, and decision-making under pressure – all areas that can translate favourably to traditional five-on-five basketball.

For Higgins-Titsha, this international experience provides additional high-level competition against diverse opponents, further preparing him for the challenges awaiting in Summer League. The physicality and pace of 3x3 basketball also align well with skills that will serve him in the Warriors' system, where quick decisions and physical play are valued.

This international representation also demonstrates the growing recognition of Higgins-Titsha's abilities beyond the NBL context, as he continues to build his profile on multiple basketball stages simultaneously.