Sydney Kings allow star recruit Kouat Noi to play a part in the NBL1 North Grand Final series despite initial concerns
Kouat Noi has starred for the USC Rip City in the NBL1 North competition, but he won’t play in the entire grand final series this weekend. Find out why.
The Sydney Kings will allow marquee signing Kouat Noi to play a part in this weekend’s NBL1 North Grand Final series for USC Rip City, despite initially refusing to release him due to load management concerns.
Noi, who has starred for Rip City this off-season as the NBL1 North MVP, will only be released for Game 2 of the Grand Final series against the Gold Coast Rollers on Saturday.
The series starts on Friday, but Sydney officials don’t want their key recruit to miss too much of the team’s two-week pre-season training camp.
It’s why the Kings have agreed to release Noi, but only after training four hours on Saturday morning before boarding a plane to the Gold Coast at midday for a 7.30pm tip-off.
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K🤫UAT N🤫I
— The NBL (@NBL) August 21, 2022
The @SydneyKings' @KouatN continued to walk the walk in @NBL1 Finals action, pouring in 32 points and grabbing 19 boards in USC Rip City's semi-final win over the Cairns Marlins.
Rip City will now take on the Gold Coast Rollers for the NBL North 🆠pic.twitter.com/IXwYIke1FU
News Corp can also reveal that Sydney originally didn’t want to release Noi to partake in the best of three grand final series due to load management given his past injury struggles.
The club had concerns about their gun signing playing in a series over three consecutive days.
Officials from both clubs have been in discussions all week, with the Kings deciding on Thursday release the former Cairns forward for the final two games of the grand final series if its required.
It’s understood Rip City officials would like Noi to play in the entire series, but they are grateful that he is available for at least one game if that is how it transpires.
Noi was recently crowned the NBL1 North MVP after steering Rip City to the Grand Final series against a Gold Coast Rollers side featuring Brisbane Bullets guard Jason Cadee.
The ex-Taipan has also excelled off the court at Rip City, dropping 12 kilos to be in his best shape for years.
Noi is being tipped to star for the Kings this season as the men in purple and gold aim to defend their title.
WHY KINGS STAR CHOSE NZ OVER NBA SUMMER LEAGUE
Sydney Kings star Xavier Cooks says he didn’t bother going to NBA Summer League because he personally believes it would have been a waste of time.
Instead, Cooks swapped the bright lights of Las Vegas for a modest apartment in Wellington, on New Zealand’s North Island.
The reigning NBL grand final MVP signed with the Wellington Saints in the NZNBL league while spending his spare time playing board games, cards and even getting his Toyota HiLux hire car bogged on a beach.
He also enjoyed success on the court, picking up the NZNBL MVP and All-Star Five honours.
Cooks, of course, still strongly aspires to play in the NBA, but he’d prefer to add polish to his game playing in competitions he deems to be competitive.
“I wanted to go and play somewhere in the off-season, I wasn’t a big fan of the Summer League and I’ve been pretty vocal about that,” Cooks told News Corp.
“I think it is glorified pick-up and it’s not team-orientated basketball. I’m not very good at that style of basketball.
“I just feel like I’m going to go over there, sit on the bench for a long time.
“I’m not a great one-on-one player and that pick-up game is just not my style.
“So, I thought I’d rather go and make some money somewhere.”
Cooks is comfortable with his decision not to play at the NBA Summer League, although he did feel envious watching Melbourne United forward Jack White excel for the Denver Nuggets to secure a two-way contract.
“Looking at Jack progress, I’m happy for him,” he said.
“He is a great guy, and he deserves everything he got, but part of me wishes that was me.”
Cooks, though, is focusing on the big picture as he looks to secure another NBL championship for Sydney following last season’st itle success.
He credits his stint with Wellington for helping him become a more complete player.
“At the NBL level it is hard to work on stuff outside of your comfort zone, but over in New Zealand I was shooting a lot more threes, playing a lot more at the guard positions,” he explains.
“I don’t really like taking three months off, doing nothing and then coming back into pre-season and getting killed.
“So, New Zealand was good for me to stay in shape.
“It is also a good and respected league, and I had a lot of fun over there.
“I learnt a l lot and I think I became a better basketball player, so I’ happy about that.”
XAVIER COOKS IS ON FIRE! HE'S GOT 26! 🔥 #SalsNBL#LetsGo@skysportnzpic.twitter.com/h2WNiRcdjA
— Sal’s NBL (@nznbl) August 10, 2022
Cooks equally enjoyed his time off the court in New Zealand.
He regularly had downtime to see the sights in Wellington, but it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Kings star.
“On my off days we’d get a big HiLux and just drive around,” he said.
“In the first week I drove around for about an hour away from my city and I got bogged on the beach.
“I had to call someone to toe me out of there. It just added to the experience of New Zealand, so I loved it.
“It really had college vibes. There were six of us in the same apartment building, above and below each other.
“On Tuesday nights we played board games and cards. I had my daughter over there for about two weeks, but besides that I had so much free time to hang out with the boys.”
Cooks is back in Sydney for pre-season training feeling refreshed and refocused for another shot at the NBL championship with the Kings.
He has high hopes for the men in purple and gold, and can’t wait to play alongside the club’s recruits like former Cairns forward Kouat Noi and ex-Illawarra Hawks guard Justin Simon.
“When I came into the gym, I was just so happy to be back,” he said.
“There is no better feeling than coming to work every day and having a great group of people around you.
“I literally enjoy coming to work every single day.
“There are also new faces around here. I knew Kouat (Noi) because we are the same age and we worked in LA together.
“And Justin (Simon) played with the Hawks a few years ago. It’s good to have the new guys here and they’ve all been playing ridiculously well.
“I think we’ve got a really good squad this year.”
Back to it💥#WeTheKingspic.twitter.com/O8llCL5poV
— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) August 23, 2022
Cooks still has one eye on making the NBA, but his first focus is the Kings.
“I don’t really use this (the Kings) as a personal progression,” he said frankly.
“I’m using this to win another championship for Sydney. Obviously, it is in the back of my mind trying to get to that next stage (NBA) and play for the Olympic team.
“But no way am I going to disrespect the Sydney Kings by saying I’m going to use these guys to progress my career.
“I’m here to win championships. That is what we did last year and I’m here to try and do it again.”
Why Brazilian big chose Sydney
New Sydney Kings Brazilian big man Tim Soares has just arrived on Australian shores, but he has already hailed the NBL the world’s best breeding ground to the NBA.
And Soares is qualified to speak.
The 25-year-old American born big was raised in Sao Paulo in Brazil before attending US College in Washington.
Soares enjoyed success on the College stage, including receiving multiple defensive awards.
This paved the way for professional stints in Turkey and Israel prior to a brief NBA Summer League stint with the Milwaukee Bucks last month.
Soares aspires to play in the world’s premier competition, and he knows there is only one league in the globe that can truly help him fulfil his dream.
“I think for me, the (NBL) is one of the closest things to playing in the NBA,” Soares said.
“I’ve always known about the Australian league and how strong it has been.
“So, being here and around that environment is a great thing.
“I definitely believe that the NBL (is the second-best option outside of the NBA) and I’ve heard a lot of people say that who know what they are talking about.
“It just seems to translate very easily to the NBA.”
Soares says the major lure of linking with the Kings was the club‘s impressive list of success stories, including Jae’Sean Tate and fellow Brazilian Didi Louzada.
He has seen Tate go from the NBL to the Houston Rockets, and he wants to follow in his footsteps.
“The biggest attraction for me is how many people have gone through the program and done well,” he said.
“Coach (Chase Buford) has been around winning programs and last year as well.
“My goal is to always improve every year, no matter if it’s rebounding, making shots, or playing defence.
“I knew I was definitely going to improve just be being around these people.
“There is a great winning mentality, and I’ve already witnessed it at training.”
New faces at training today👀#WeTheKingspic.twitter.com/UhqZWvAtjc
— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) August 18, 2022
Soares impressed Kings staff with his mobility for a big man who stands at 6’11” (211 centimetres) and weighs 107 kilos.
He looked slick running the floor while he plans to unleash from the perimeter this season.
“I want to help spread the defence, so knock down some threes,” he said.
“That is something that I’ve worked on a lot.
“I also have energy and I run the floor and I’m also keen to handle the ball a little bit more, so hopefully there will be some flashes of that as well.
Another coup as Kings land Brazilian big man
—Matt Logue
The Sydney Kings have signed a Brazilian big man with basketball in his family’s bloodlines as they aim to win back-to-back titles.
Tim Soares, a 211cm centre, played in the Las Vegas NBA Summer League with the Milwaukee Bucks.
Soares, who was raised in Sao Paulo but played college at The Master’s University in California, is ready to join Sydney and “play with a Championship team”.
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“I have only heard good things about the Sydney Kings program, and I am very excited about working with the staff,” Soares said.
“Any opportunity I have to become a better player is a good choice for me.
“Every year I believe my game has improved. Playing at a high level with great players and coaches will help improve my game more. My strengths are definitely being able to knock down threes as a big man and play at a high, fast pace running the floor.
“I’ve been able to talk with coach about ways I can improve. Becoming better defensively, working on the pick and roll, and being more aggressive on offence are all things.”
The Brazilian Big Man, Tim Soares ðŸ‘ðŸ½ðŸ‘‘
— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) July 29, 2022
Details 📠- https://t.co/TRSIYeOSVh#WeTheKingspic.twitter.com/FG0uIdYo2b
The Soares family is something of a basketball dynasty.
Tim’s parents Susan and Rogerio played US college basketball, Rogerio at Master’s, and the pair met while at Athletes in Action and continue to work as Christian missionaries in Sao Paulo today.
Susan was the national Gatorade Basketball Player of the Year as a high school senior in 1986 and then played at the University of Texas.
Soares has four siblings, Stephanie, Jessica, Tiago and Rebecca. Stephanie is a two-time NAIA Division One Player of the Year and Jessica and Tiago also play college basketball.
“My mum played one year in Australia and had great things to say about her time,” he said.
“I look forward to following in her footsteps. Being from Brazil I love hot climate and beaches, so I know I will enjoy the beautiful sights in Australia.
“The NBL is a high level-league that I have worked hard to get to. I can’t wait to improve and be part of what the league has to offer.”
Kings CEO Chris Pongrass said fans should be excited for the arrival of 25-year-old Soares, who spent last year in Israel with Ironi Nes Ziona averaging 14 points (60% FG, 54% 3P), 6.4 rebounds and 1.3 blocks per game.
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“Tim is a versatile centre who has a great shooting touch and range – he allows us to stretch the floor and will play a key role in our offence this season,” Pongrass said.
“He fits perfectly into our brand of Sydney Kings basketball and the up-tempo, exciting style of basketball our coach Chase Buford and his team have brought to the Harbour City.
“Chase’s first priority is to get it done on the defensive end – between Tim, Xavier (Cooks) and Justin (Simon) we will have the longest and most disruptive defensive trio in the league.
“Tim is still building his professional career and he’s a player we think has a lot of upside that we can help elevate his game to another level.”
Soares joins former NBL Defensive Player of the Year Justin Simon and former Detroit Pistons point guard Derrick Walton Jr as the Kings’ imports.
How Luc Longley inspired new King to turn ‘villain’
—Matt Logue
It’s the motivating zoom meeting with Luc Longley and Co. that inspired former Illawarra Hawks guard Justin Simon to do the once unthinkable and sign with the Sydney Kings.
Simon, who won the NBL’s best defensive player when he was at the Hawks in the 2020-21 season, is Kings bound after signing a one-year deal.
He was sold on Sydney’s vision for sustained success after ending the franchise’s 17-year championship drought last season.
Simon is so determined to contribute to the Kings’ plan that he is prepared to cop the inevitable sprays from the Illawarra faithful about his move to the enemy from the Harbour City.
“That is going to be rough when they (Hawks fans) hear the news,” Simon joked to News Corp.
“Playing in front of them for the first time is going to be something different and I will feel like a villain for sure.
“In the end, it’s all love and it’s a business decision.
“That game (against the Hawks) is going to be great and to me I now like to think that I’m on the better side of NSW.”
Sledges aside, Simon is legitimately excited about the prospect of helping the championship-winning Sydney side become even better.
Simon says IT'S OFFICIAL.
— The NBL (@NBL) July 18, 2022
The @SydneyKings have added a familiar face and a whole lot of defence to their #NBL23 squad with the signing of former Hawk, Justin Simon.
Full details at https://t.co/qZKV2Y12hppic.twitter.com/MThhuqAmI6
He sees a significant upside in a youthful Kings roster, featuring core players like Xavier Cooks (26), Dejan Vasiljevic (25) and Jordan Hunter (25)
Simon, 26, feels inspired to make a difference in Sydney after hearing from coach Chase Buford, CEO Chris Pongrass and club adviser and six-time NBA champion Luc Longley.
“They made me feel wanted,” he said.
“What really sold me to join the Kings was the coach, the system, and the style of play.
“They spoke my language, so it sounded like the right opportunity for me.
They’ve just won a championship and they are looking for championship pieces. They want to run it back and I want to be a part of something special like that.”
Simon was a defensive force in his debut NBL season with the Hawks, winning the 2020-21 Damian Martin Award as the NBL’s Best Defensive Player, and regularly putting the clamps on the league’s best guards such as Bryce Cotton and our own Casper Ware.
Last season he signed with MHP Riesen Ludwigsburg in Germany’s top-level Bundesliga and while again winning the league’s defensive player of the year award, demonstrated his offensive abilities in Europe’s Champions League.
He took the club to third place in the Champions League and scored 27 points, six rebounds, six assists and three steals against Hapoel Holon, becoming the first player in league history to score more than 25 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. He also set a new record for points in a Champion’s League final four game.
DPOTY RETURNS!
— NBL News (@NBL_News) July 16, 2022
The Sydney Kings have signed the 2021 NBL DPOTY Justin Simon for the 22/23 season#NBL23pic.twitter.com/FtmclOVLVw
Simon is ready to take his game to another level in his second NBL stint, even refusing to rule out the NBA as a career option.
“I’ve been able to expand and grow my game offensively playing in Germany, in terms of being aggressive and playing downhill,” said Simon, who was added to the Chicago Bulls’ training camp roster in 2019 before being waived and assigned to the G League.
“I had a limited role the last time I was in the NBL, but Germany allowed me to take on more minutes.
“Now I want to take my game to the next level and contribute on both ends at a high level.
“The NBL is also expanding and getting a lot of buzz.
“The league has a new broadcast deal, so there are so many eyes on the league and guys are getting bigger job opportunities in the NBA or the EuroLeague.
“So, to be back in that atmosphere, I’m so fortunate.”
Simon joins Walton Jr, Xavier Cooks, Shaun Bruce, Dejan Vasiljevic, Angus Glover, Biwali Bayles, Jaylin Galloway, Jordan Hunter, Kouat Noi and Jackson Makoi on the Kings’ list for upcoming season.
NBL MVP off to chase overseas’ riches
—Matt Logue
Sydney Kings CEO Chris Pongrass has confirmed reigning NBL MVP Jaylen Adams is most likely Asia bound on a deal “five to six times higher” than the Kings can offer.
It was always going to be difficult for the Kings to retain Adams given his standout NBL season.
The former Milwaukee Buck dominated on his way to collecting the MVP and a championship with Sydney.
Adams’ starring season has attracted significant overseas interest, with Pongrass saying the Kings don’t have the cash to compete.
“What has been challenging is the way the international basketball scene has responded,” Pongrass told Fox Sports News.
“So, Japan, China, and Europe, in terms of their spends and it’s largely unlikely that we see Jaylen back again next season.
“Purely because of his value and how it has skyrocketed, not the fact that we wouldn’t pay as much as we could.
“But it’s to the extent where he is making five or six times what we could even consider offering, so it wasn’t even in our ballpark.
“You never know what could happen. Some players arrive at a club and the situation isn’t right for them, so the door isn’t closed, but it’s highly unlikely.”
Will Jaylen Adams return to the @NBL next season with the @SydneyKings and have the champs signed the competitions next MVP? CEO @chrispongrass joined @Luke_Doherty earlier on Fox Sports News. https://t.co/VqNFsFMgOV
— FOX SPORTS News (@FOXSportsNews) July 6, 2022
Adams blow softened by new Kings signing
—Matt Logue
Replacing an MVP-winner like Jaylen Adams is never easy, but the Sydney Kings have done a commendable job with the signing of former Detroit Pistons point guard Derrick Walton Jr for the NBL23 season.
Personally described as a “pure point guard” and a tough and competitive floor general, Walton will give the Kings vital poise given his extensive NBA and international experience.
The 27-year-old had been dividing his time between the Detroit Pistons and their G League affiliate the Motor City Cruise.
The Detroit native was a star with the Michigan Wolverines, starting 125 of 127 games over four seasons from 2013-2017. He was the only player in school history with at least 1,000 points, 500 rebounds and 400 assists.
He has 45 games experience in the NBA in stints with the Miami Heat, Los Angeles Clippers and most recently Detroit.
Derrick Walton Jr. 🔒#WeTheKings | @DerrickWalton10pic.twitter.com/dPHZktO2TD
— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) July 4, 2022
In between Walton Jr has played for some of Europe’s biggest clubs – Zalgiris Kaunas (Lithuania), Alba Berlin (Germany) and ASVEL (France).
Walton Jr revealed the people running the Kings attracted him to the reigning NBL champions.
“I had a zoom meeting with the whole staff, including Coach Buford and Chris Pongrass, and I just thought their energy and their knowledge was incredible,” Walton Jr said.
“It made me want to work with them. My goal first and foremost is to win, so Sydney’s track record of winning and recent success was also very attractive to me.
“I know people in Australia are very passionate about basketball, which means a lot to me. I love being surrounded by passionate people who love what they do.”
Walton Jr, who stands at 185cm, has signed a one-year deal, which includes periodical NBA outs.
He is the first import signing for the Kings.
Sydney CEO Chris Pongrass said the club was thrilled to secure the services of the dynamic point guard.
“Derrick is a rare find – experienced, unselfish, and wildly efficient – we see him having a major impact in this league, and are excited for him to join our group,” Pongrass said.
“He has a deep offensive repertoire and is an efficient scorer yet is renowned for his playmaking ability and creating for his teammates, leading the G League in assists last season.
“Derrick possesses all the physical tools we were looking for with this signing. He is strong, robust, and will embrace the physicality of this league. His style of play very much suits Chase’s system, and I am comforted knowing we have someone with a raft of NBA and European experience.
“Kings fans should be excited about what he will bring our side as we focus on defending our NBL championship.”
Introducing the Sydney Kings first import for #NBL23 Derrick Walton Jr.
— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) July 4, 2022
Story 📠https://t.co/KgvfkNMPXv#WeTheKingspic.twitter.com/0hJAetnjqw
Kings coach Chase Buford was equally eager to sign Walton Jr for the upcoming NBL23 season.
“Derrick is an NBA calibre point guard that we are thrilled to add to our group for next season,” Buford said.
“He is a terrific scorer and shooter, and he really excels at creating for teammates as a driver and playmaker out of pick and roll actions.
“He is also a physical and athletic defender capable of frustrating opponents.
“More importantly, his character, attitude, and competitiveness will fit right in line with our returning core from last season and we envision Derrick being a strong leader within our group.”
Walton Jr joins Xavier Cooks, Shaun Bruce, Dejan Vasiljevic, Angus Glover, Biwali Bayles, Jaylin Galloway, Jordan Hunter, Kouat Noi and Jackson Mackoi on the Kings’ list for upcoming season
How ‘joy’ of fatherhood changed Kings’ superstar
—Michael Randall
NBL Finals MVP Xavier Cooks will be in Sydney for at least the next three years – if he doesn’t end up in the NBA.
The Kings inked their burgeoning superstar to a long-term deal, aware that there is huge interest from teams in the big league.
“Winning a championship, it was always going to be tough to leave. I love Sydney, it’s been great to me and I’m excited to come back,” Cooks said.
Cooks told News Corp a number of clubs — including current finalist Golden State and Brooklyn, where Aussies Patty Mills and Ben Simmons are contracted — had expressed interest in the NBL grand final MVP.
Still just 26, Cooks is entering the prime of his career and, after a pair of previous Summer League appearances, he has shown he deserves a proper tryout with an NBA team.
“I’m obviously very hopeful,” he said.
“I have an NBA out in case that call does come.
“It’s been a big dream of mine forever.
“I had a two-way offer that fell through in the end and a lot of good talks with Golden State, Brooklyn and a couple of other teams.
“A lot of the teams will wait until draft night, see who they draft and see what happens in the Summer League.
“I’m not too fond of playing Summer League, I’ve played it two times before. Most teams know what I’m capable of now, so just hopefully get that call.”
The NBA is so close he can almost taste it, but it hasn’t always been that way for the kid from Wollongong.
“In Australia, you grow up watching the NBA, but it just seems so distant,” he said.
“There are so few people in the whole country that make it to that level.
“You always think about it, but it just seems like a dream that’s very far out of reach.”
His previous visits to the US only sparked more fire in him to make the grade.
“I went over there for a couple of pre-draft camps and then you get that smell for it and that itch for it and you just see how crazy the facilities are, the resources that they have.
“I still felt really distant from that chance and then obviously this last year, it’s almost frustrating how close it feels.”
Cooks is used to frustration. He spent two seasons dealing with a litany of injuries that cruelled his ability to perform on the floor. He hurt his knee while training for the Boomers 2019 World Cup campaign and then suffered ankle and foot injuries that limited him to just 22 games across his first two seasons in Sydney.
“It was frustrating going through so many injuries in back-to-back years, not being able to show the league what I was capable of,” he said.
“This year, being healthy, having a good pre-season and having the team around me to help me thrive, I had a good year, but a lot of credit goes to my teammates.
“The NBA is something I’m going to definitely keep working towards but, right now, I’m just happy to remain with the Kings.”
GIRL DAD GROWS UP
Niah Siobhan Cooks is nearly 2 and it’s no coincidence Cooks’ growth and emergence — on and off the court — has coincided with becoming a father.
Cooks says ‘daddy’s little princess’ has kept him grounded and helped him mature.
“It’s (fatherhood) changed me a lot,” he said.
“I can still be a bit of a hot-headed dude but in the past I’d play a bad game and get really worked up about it after the game. Now, to go home and see your daughter who is happy all the time, it puts everything in perspective, it’s just a game.
“You’re playing basketball to have fun.
“Just the joy in her face when she sees you and when she achieves things in her life, it makes you feel really important.”
The Kings did not pick an official captain for NBL22, but it became immediately clear Cooks was the champions’ spiritual leader.
“I’ve been on the team when we had Andrew Bogut, Kevin Lisch, Casper Ware, all these great leaders and you learn habits from those guys,” he said.
“Going into this season, we had six or seven new players. We needed a leader and I knew I was right for the position but it wasn’t just me doing that, it was (Shaun) Brucey, Jordy Hunter, a lot of guys stepped up in that area.”
HOW ABOUT THAT CHIP?
Jaylen Adams might have been the league MVP and star, but Cooks was the Kings’ most important player in the title run.
But his role in powering Sydney to its first championship in 17 years still hasn’t sunk in — he was basically straight on a plane, bound for New Zealand where he is playing in the Kiwi league with Wellington.
“I think the coolest feeling is when you see the fans, how happy they are,” he said.
“Seventeen years without a championship is a very long time, especially in a major city like Sydney.
“It’s cool for the city and seeing tears in the locker room, that’s how you know it means a lot.
“It was a great experience and I can’t wait to run it back.”
JA AND MY MATE TOMMY V
But will he run it back with Adams?
“I haven’t spoken to him since he left, I’m sure he’s been really busy and I’ve been busy once the dust has settled we’ll catch up,” he said.
“I’d love to see him back, but I think it’s going to be tough to keep a player like that in the NBL.
“If he doesn’t get the NBA call, I’m sure there are a lot of teams in Japan and Europe that will offer him over a million dollars.”
Speaking of players’ future, Adams is at Wellington with championship teammate Tom Vodanovich, who has accepted a contract to depart the Kings for the Breakers.
Vodanovich’s daughter Leah, 8 months, and Niah have grown up together and, ironically, the Kiwi got his start at Sydney as an injury replacement for Cooks — now they’re best pals.
“I’m a bit salty and a bit sad we couldn’t get a deal done with Tommy,” Cooks said.
“It’s going to be something different this year but I’m just excited to play these next two months with him and enjoy the moments.”
The Kings are working on keeping their title core together, while adding pieces with Cooks’ joining sharpshooter Dejan Vasiljevic in re-upping and forward Kouat Noi heading south from Cairns.
Bogut reveals champs’ cap spend
– Michael Randall
Sydney part-owner Andrew Bogut has revealed the NBL champions’ 2021-22 salary cap spend as the Kings added another talented forward to their roster.
The Kings have inked grand final MVP Xavier Cooks and former Cairns Taipan Kouat Noi. And Bogut, in a message to members, said the club had a total spend of $1,501,592.63 last season.
Under the NBL’s rules, teams can pay several players outside the cap, including marquee and next stars.
NBL clubs’ spends and player salaries tend to be closely guarded secrets, much to the chagrin of many fans.
“We were under the salary cap for the season and, just to keep things in perspective, that spend put the Sydney Kings in seventh for total spends,” Bogut wrote.
The NBL set its 2021-22 cap ceiling at $1,637,893.94, while teams must pay players at least $1,474,104.55. These figures will rise by four per cent for NBL23, the ceiling at $1,703,239.36 and floor $1,533,068.73.
Sudanese-born Noi grew up in Newcastle and spent the past three seasons with the Taipans.
Noi struggled last season with a knee issue and hasn’t quite fulfilled the potential that made him second to Lamelo Ball in the 2019-20 rookie of the year race.
He hopes a change of scenery could be the catalyst for a breakout season and said he can’t wait to play under the bright lights in Sydney.
“I think that’s where I belong honestly … bright lights, big city, big organisation … I think I’m going to fit in perfect,” Noi said.
“I definitely have a lot to show.
“The past three seasons with Cairns I don’t feel like I’ve shown what I’m capable of and … that’s why I’m coming to Sydney.
“I’m already feeling stronger. I’m playing in the NBL1 and performing, trying to get consistent.
“Once the NBL season starts I’m going to be ready to go.”
The second year of his contract has a team option.
Key King locked in at title town
—Michael Randall
Sydney has inked a key piece of its NBL title team to a long-term deal, locking in versatile guard Dejan Vasiljevic.
The deadeye marksman and creative scorer turned his back on overtures from other NBL clubs to make good on his promise, signing a three-year deal to stay with the 2022 champions.
“I remain loyal. I said: ‘It was the Sydney Kings or nowhere’,” Vasiljevic said of his commitment.
“Sydney is a second home to me. My parents’ house (in Melbourne) is number one, but Sydney is next.”
Affectionately known as DJ, Canadian-born Vasiljevic still has aspirations to play in the NBA and European leagues, his contract including out clauses, should those opportunities arise.
“I feel like I can do things in the NBA,” he said.
“I’ll prepare well for summer league and then if the NBA doesn’t work out, I’ll be back with the Kings.”
Vasiljevic, who grew up in Melbourne, fought through the adversity of a ruptured achilles tendon that derailed his NBL21 campaign, returning with a vengeance to average 12.4 points, draining more than two three-pointers per game at 37 per cent.
None of those was more important than the biggest shot of the Kings’ season — his game two dagger in the NBL grand final that gave the Kings victory over Tasmania.
The new deal is for two years, with a mutual option on the third.
Kings sign young DP
—Michael Randall
Sydney has added Anyiarbany Makoi — better known as Jackson Makoi — as a development player for NBL23.
The point guard, who has played for the South Sudan national team, was born in Egypt before moving to Australia at a young age and growing up in Melbourne.
He played in Croatia last season and, at 21, he has inked a two-year deal, with the second non-guaranteed.
“I grew up in Australia therefore I’ve been aware of the talent and competition of the NBL all my life,” 196cm Jackson said.
The Real Makoi 👑@SSBFed National Team member Jackson Makoi has signed with the @SydneyKings as a DP for #NBL23 with a Club option for the following season.
— The NBL (@NBL) June 21, 2022
Details âž¡ï¸ https://t.co/cd3IDq8E7Upic.twitter.com/kr8lwknFly
“The Kings have always been a quality club in my eyes not to mention they’ve just come off a championship and I’ve seen success with the young players they’ve developed.
“Sydney will be getting a hard worker. Somebody’s who completely bought into the program. On the court I feel like I’ll be a great facilitator who can score, especially playing with such talented players and a great coaching staff.
“I just want to improve as much as possible so that I can play at the highest level possible.
“My goal will always be the NBA.”
Another title-winner departs Kings
—Michael Randall
A second championship-winning King has left Sydney, Kiwi Tom Vodanovich returning to the New Zealand Breakers.
The 201cm power forward spent his first two seasons with New Zealand, before crossing to the Kings for NBL21.
The 27-year-old provided bench cover for the Kings in their run to the 2022 title, but struggled with his usually reliable three-point shot, making just 20 per cent of his attempts.
On signing the two-year deal, Vodanovich, who follows Wani Swaka Lo Buluk out of Sydney, says his time with the Kings has made him a better player.
“From when I left two years ago to winning a championship, I think my game’s got a lot better,” Vodanovich said.
With Swaka Lo Buluk joining Illawarra, the Kings have Shaun Bruce, Angus Glover, Biwali Bayles, Jordan Hunter, Jaylin Galloway and Next Star Makur Maker — who is eyeing an NBA gig — locked away.
The Breakers, forced to play all their NBL22 games outside of New Zealand, have signed five New Zealanders to their roster, with Vodanovich joining Tom Abercrombie, Rob Loe, Sam Timmins and Dan Fotu under new coach Mody Maor.
“The Breakers have had a tough couple of years with Covid, but they’re putting together a Kiwi core under a new coach,” Vodanovich said.
“It’s a great opportunity and a no-brainer to come back to the club I love.”
NBL free agency shock as Kings lose key piece
—Michael Randall
The first crack in the newly-crowned NBL champion Sydney Kings’ plans to keep their title-winning core together has appeared.
The Kings have lost defensive dynamo Wani Swaka Lo Buluk in a surprise move to state rival Illawarra.
Swaka Lo Buluk is just 21, but already a three-time NBL champion who stepped up as a starter for the Kings when import RJ Hunter went down with a season-ending knee injury.
He has inked a two-year deal with the Hawks under new coach Jacob Jackomas.
“We’re pumped to add someone of Wani’s calibre to our core moving forward,” Jackomas said.
“Wani will compliment the pieces we’ve already got in place, bring a fresh energy and defensive ability to our club – which is always our calling card on the court.
“He fits with the timeline of our other guys, is keen to continue to improve his game and grow with this group towards a second Illawarra championship.”
Sudanese-born Swaka Lo Buluk lived in both Perth and Canberra and has won a title in each of his three seasons – two in Perth and one in Sydney.
He provides the Hawks with a serious defensive presence at guard, who would form a nightmare partnership with reigning Defensive Player of the Year Antonius Cleveland, should he sign a revised deal, after knocking back the Hawks’ initial offer.
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