By Josefine Ganko and Nick Newling
An up-and-coming basketball player has been released on bail after being arrested in Sydney and spending the night behind bars charged with domestic violence offences.
Jackson Makoi, who is the guard for the Cairns Taipans in the National Basketball League, appeared via video link before Parramatta Local Court on Sunday, accused of common assault (DV) and intentionally choke person with recklessness (DV).
“About 5.45pm on Saturday, 11 January 2025, officers attended a hotel in Sydney Olympic Park and arrested a 24-year-old man by virtue of an outstanding arrest warrant,” a police statement read.
Jackson Makoi will face Parramatta Local Court on Sunday after being denied bail.Credit: Getty Images
The charges relate to an alleged assault in Oxley Park in Sydney’s west in November 2023, for which there was an outstanding warrant for Makoi’s arrest.
In a statement, the NBL said it was aware of the arrest, and that it is “now a matter for the NSW police and Basketball Australia’s Integrity Unit”.
“The league is unable to comment further at this stage.”
The player, who appeared under the name Anyiarbany Makoi, was given conditional bail that requires him to live at an undisclosed address, not enter an international airport or contact the alleged victim or any witnesses. Makoi must also comply with an apprehended domestic violence order.
Born in Egypt, Makoi represented South Sudan in the 2024 Paris Olympics. The 24-year-old grew up in Melbourne and went to high school in the United States before returning to Australia.
After two seasons as a development player with the Sydney Kings, Makoi joined the Cairns Taipans for the 2024-25 season.
His future in the sport is now uncertain. These charges are his second run-in with the law. He served an eight-match NBL suspension after being charged with driving under the influence on the Gold Coast in August 2024.
Makoi’s case will be heard on January 15 at Blacktown Local Court. He is expected to appear via video link.
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