Former NBL coach joins US college outfit

Long-time Cairns Taipans mentor Aaron Fearne has been announced as an assistant coach of United States men's college outfit Charlotte 49ers.

Fearne was head coach at the Taipans for nine NBL seasons and a player or assistant at the club since its 1999 debut.

He was replaced by Mike Kelly ahead of this summer's campaign and on Wednesday announced as Ron Sanchez's understudy at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte.

The 49ers are members of Conference USA, with Sanchez only taking the top job in March.

"I am extremely appreciative of the opportunity coach Sanchez has given not only to me but also my family," said father-of-two Fearne.

"I am looking forward to helping build the culture of the program, implementing a style of play and aiding in the development of these young men both on and off the court."