A life confined to a training hall and AIS dorms in freezing cold Canberra wasn't always a perfect fit for the hulking Torres Strait Islander, who sought refuge at Patty Mills' family home when the rising stars got homesick.

A move to the United States for college was supposed to put him on a path to the big show, but Jawai's college stint didn't go to plan. He struggled with studies and a torn meniscus left him in need of surgery.

He came home and signed a rookie deal with the Taipans. All of a sudden, things clicked and the NBA came calling when Jawai was drafted by Indiana with pick 41 and traded to Toronto.

"Baby Shaq" was born.

Almost 11 years later, Jawai has come full circle as he prepares to return to the AIS Arena in Cairns colours for a clash with the Illawarra Hawks on Saturday.

"It was fair while ago, I’m pretty old," 32-year-old Jawai laughed.

"Heading back to Canberra, I’m excited for it. I didn’t really get to play in the AIS Arena so I’m looking forward to that as well, it’s been a long time since I’ve been back in Canberra, especially for a game. The last game was for SEABL back in 2005, 2006 or 2007, I can’t remember.

"It’s been a while, so having an NBL game back in Canberra is going to be exciting. In the Canberra Cannons days, they were pretty successful back then. Definitely looking forward to going back down to Canberra and bringing the NBL fans out that are in Canberra.

"Obviously now I’m coming towards the end of my career, I can look back at it. Coming back to Canberra will refresh things. When you walk through the dining hall at the AIS, it’s going to bring back memories so you definitely look back. It will remind me how old I am now."

But before Jawai can relive his days at the AIS compound, he will help Cairns in their bid to upset the New Zealand Breakers' slim playoff hopes at the Cairns Convention Centre on Monday night.

The Taipans are anchored to the bottom of the NBL standings but Jawai is adamant the playing group has turned the page following a disastrous record losing streak.

Cairns have rebounded in the new year to stun final-bound rivals Brisbane and Perth while they managed to give the ladder-leading Sydney Kings an almighty fright - a run seemingly incomprehensible as little as three weeks ago.

"We all stuck together from day one," Jawai said.

"Obviously times got tough with 14 losses in a row but we all stick together. We’re not as bad as our record shows, we stayed positive and we came to work every day.

"Everything is really coming together for us, it’s late in the season but we still want to finish the season on a positive note."

NBL ROUND 15

Saturday, January 26: Illawarra Hawks v Cairns Taipans at AIS Arena, 2.50pm. Tickets from Ticketek.