Noi Aims to Continue Kings' Reign

Saturday, March 25, 2023

Sydney Kings Championship player Kouat Noi says he’s “just scratching the surface” and can only get better next season, after the club exercised its team option on his NBL24 contract.

Noi was a vital part of the Kings’ success this year, averaging 7.4 points on 48 per cent from the field, and 3.4 rebounds a game.

“I want to come back because I want to prove I can provide so much more,” he told Sydney’s website.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">??? FORMER TAIPAN, BIRTHDAY BOY KING KOUAT NOI WINS THE GAME FOR SYDNEY ??? <a href="https://t.co/iS6YmATxCy">pic.twitter.com/iS6YmATxCy</a></p>— NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1586314636579655680?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">October 29, 2022</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

The 25-year-old played three seasons at the Cairns Taipans before crossing to Sydney in the off-season. While his minutes dropped slightly in the Kings’ deep rotation, he was able to have a big impact, with his reliable shooting and energy off the bench a feature.

“I’m going to have another big off-season and keep improving on my body,” Noi said.

“Once the NBL pre-season kicks off, I’ll be ahead of everyone.

“[That preparation will be key] as I want to win an NBL award in the future.

“I have my eyes on a number of awards and I truly believe they're in my reach - I’m gonna shock the world.”

Kings CEO Chris Pongrass said getting Noi back to the club, to join the core of Jaylin Galloway, Dejan Vasiljevic, Jordi Hunter, Angus Glover and Shaun Bruce, was important - especially with Xavier Cooks now in the NBA with the Washington Wizards.

“Kouat was exceptional for us this season, being a key part of the competition's top bench unit alongside Gus, JG, Jordi and Brucey,” Pongrass said.

“He showed in our massive grand final game two win in Auckland, that he is capable of stepping up and taking on a bigger role when called upon.

“We're delighted to have him back in Sydney for another season, as we look to run it back once more; we can't wait to see him continue to develop and contribute to our group’s success.”

Before he returns to the harbour city, Noi will play in Israel with Ironi Kiryat Ata.

NBL free agency kicks off on March 30, with all player, team and mutual options requiring to be confirmed by March 27.