Kouat Noi inks deal with Darwin Salties in major coup

The Darwin Salties have bolstered their already stacked squad, announcing the signing of an NBL1 MVP and Sydney Kings gun.

Darwin Salties player Kouat Noi - pictured with family Cody Raymond, Inayah Noi and Athie Noi - announces a new partnership with Thrifty. Picture: Sierra Haigh.

The Darwin Salties have secured the signature of yet another NBL talent and NBL1 North MVP to their 2024 roster.

Former USC Rip City forward Kouat Noi is the latest in a sting of high-profile signings this off-season.

The 26 year-old, 201cm weapon is on a terrific run of form, having just averaged 30 points and 11 rebounds a game for Rip as well as completing his first full-time professional NBL season at the Kings.

“The Salties have put together a championship roster, with experienced leaders,” Noi said.

“I’m taking my game to a whole another level this off-season.

“I’ll be surrounded with players who are hungry and motivated and, as a leader, it’s my job to set the tone early for our group.

“If you think my past two NBL1 seasons were exciting, get ready for this one because we’re going to tear the roof off Ventia Stadium.

“My ambitions are to win another MVP in this league and I have no doubt in my mind I’m capable of that.

“I’m a free agent at the moment and I’ve got a lot to prove. So to all the salties fans, I won’t let you down and I can’t wait to play in front of a packed stadium full of Darwin fans, so get ready.”

Kouat Noi is the latest high-profile signing for the Darwin Salties. Picture: Jack Riddiford Creative.

Head coach Matt Flinn expressed his excitement at his team’s latest signing, and is chomping at the bit to have Noi in Darwin.

“He is someone who I have admired from afar for some time as a basketball athlete,” he said.

“He wears his heart on his sleeve, loves his family, teammates and the teams he is involved in.

“He works incredibly hard and makes the people around him better; who wouldn’t want to coach somebody like that.

“He is one of the most confident players I know and I love that.

“We need that at the Tamboran Salties and over his career he has backed it up with actions.”

The new recruit will be surrounded by some familiar faces at the Salties, joining former USC Rip City teammates Verle Williams and Kai Bloom.

And with the signings of Sydney teammate, Makuach Maluach, Illawarra Hawks starting five player, Wani Swaka Lo Buluk, and NBL most-improved player and Tassie Jack Jumper, Sean MacDonald, Flinn has his sights set on silverware.

“When we explained what we are trying to create in Darwin, Noi was keen in continuing his basketball journey with the Salties,” Flinn said.

“Going into our third season we have the most talented men’s team in our short history and, all going well, will be aiming to bring home a championship for Darwin.”

Wani Swaka Lo Buluk signs on for 2024

The Darwin Salties have announced their biggest signing for the year confirming a three time NBL champion will feature in their 2024 squad.

Illawarra Hawks NBL starting five player Wani Swaka Lo Buluk has won three NBL championships with the Perth Wildcats and Sydney Kings.

He becomes the latest signing for the club after a run of announcements over the past few months.

The 23-year-old measuring 198cm will be a weapon in the Salties third season, and likely to draw plenty more eyes to the popular Darwin club.

Darwin Salties sign Wani Swaka Lo Buluk for 2024 NBL1 season. Picture: Supplied

“I’m super excited to be a part of this organisation,” he said.

“What they have going on in Darwin is something special and I’m glad that I get to be a part of that.

“My goal is to win a championship and with the pieces we have, I think we will.”

Salties men’s coach Matt Flinn said the defensive star is a fantastic all-round player.

“I have watched a lot of him at the Hawks over the past season and I know that he will make the Tamboran Salties better this season,” he said.

“He is a great defender, and with his long arms and reach, he will make life very difficult for our opponents.

“He makes opponents’ nervous to shoot and can shut them down.”

Flinn said having Wani join NBL players Makuach Maluach, and NBL most-improved player and Tassie Jack Jumper, Sean MacDonald, at the Salties will be exciting.

“We are building a very good quality men’s team, and the fans are in for something special this year,” Flinn said.

“The Salties exist to inspire local juniors, grow the sport in the Territory and lay the foundation for a Darwin NBL team and we are building a men’s team that will do that.”

The Salties first match of the 2024 season will be at the Ventia Darwin Basketball Stadium against the Cairns Marlins on April 13.

Tickets can be purchased from www.intix.com.au/org/darwin-salties.