Page 61 - Tropic Magazine Issue 28

TROPIC • SPORT

Credit: Ash Constable

Ready to make some Noi-se

BASKETBALL
The Cairns Taipans are ready
to strike with the re-signing of
Kouat Noi.

The CQUniversity Cairns Taipans Of course, COVID-19 interfered and Noi
are entering the National Basketball found himself almost stuck in Cairns,
League (NBL) competition this year conducting all of his pre-Draft processes
with something they rarely get through Skype and Zoom.
to enjoy: continuity. The 23-year-old spent almost six months Kouat Noi
While they’re known for losing their of the off-season just going between his
superstar athletes to capital city teams, apartment and around the corner to FORWARD #12
the Taipans administration have pulled Cairns Basketball – training, running and DOB 29 October, 1997
off the unthinkable this upcoming season working out. HEIGHT 201cm
– retaining familiar faces and prized “I just spent that time getting a lot of reps WEIGHT 93kg
past players. up, a lot of shots up, and working on my NBL GAMES PLAYED 31
With the likes of Scott Machado, Cam ball handling,” Noi reflected.
Oliver, Nathan Jawai and Majok Deng “I focused more on playing the pick and “I think I’ve still got a way to go. We’ve still
all back in orange, they’ve also managed roll game, bringing the ball up, and being got work to do.”
to hold onto forward Kouat Noi, who more consistent across a lot of areas.” Noi’s name did not get read out on Draft
was eligible for the 2020 NBA Draft in The Taipans coaching staff said Noi’s day. It was an extremely competitive
November and projected to be a second- become a standout player, having gained class, where even the widely touted
round pick. muscle, got quicker, and taken his number one pick (LaMelo Ball)
After playing in the semi-finals in basketball IQ to another level. came third.
February, Noi was supposed to head In the Taipans’ recent pre-season games, He was prepared for this – and having
to the United States to complete the his performance has left him tipped signed a two-year deal with the Taipans,
customary pre-Draft workouts and to receive the league’s “Most Improved he didn’t spend much time dwelling.
meet various NBA teams through his Player” Award. “I’ve moved on. Now my whole focus is
American-based agent. “The NBL season usually starts in this team, the Cairns Taipans,” Noi said.
October, so it’s been the longest off- “I’ll do whatever I’ve got to do to make my
season for us,” Noi told Tropic. team better and win a championship this
“It was tough waiting until December to year – that is my priority.
get back on the court properly and get our “But I’ve got so much confidence in
game fitness back. myself, I know I’ll continue to get better.
“It was good to finally go out there and One day you’ll see me in the NBA.”
play with my teammates, although
personally I felt like I was just getting my
rhythm back. MORE: taipans.com

61 • tropicnow.com.au