Hoops Capital off-season wrap (March 24)

Sydney Kings' Kouat Noi continues to shine in China, during his short stint with the Ningbo Rockets.

Since guiding the Rockets to a drought-breaking win over Xinjiang, King #237 Noi has been on a tear.

He first tallied 19 points and seven boards as his Rockets edged Tianjin 124-116 in overtime.

But despite the South Sudanese international's best efforts, his Rockets have lost five straight games in the Chinese Basketball Association - falling to Fujian (116-111), Beijing (127-92), Qingdao (122-99), Shanghai (107-103) and Guangdong (112-92).

READ MORE: KINGS SHIFT FOCUS TO NBL26 OFF-SEASON

Across that five-game straight, Noi has totalled 82 points, 16 rebounds and 11 dimes.

No, whose Rockets next face Tianjin on March 25, is thoroughly enjoying his time abroad.

"I'm really enjoying my time in China," Noi said.

"Getting to see the other side of the world makes me really appreciate my life in Australia. 

"This league [CBA] is very competitive and with me finishing off the NBL the way I did [this campaign], has lit a fire in me to have another great off-season.

"This will be my best off-season yet and you will see a much-improved version of Kouat Noi - spiritually, mentally and physically."

Also in China, Cam Oliver has helped his Liaoning Flying Leopards rattle off five straight wins, with King #250 averaging 19 points across those contests.

While over in New Zealand, the Wellington Saints - featuring Kings duo Shaun Bruce and Izayah Le'afa - rebounded from their opening-round loss to Taranaki by defeating Nelson 94-86.

In the victory, Bruce totalled 23 points, five dimes and four rebounds while Le'afa added 22 points and seven assists.

The Saints next play on March 26 against Southland.

Looking ahead, the 2025 NBL1 competition tips off this weekend, with plenty of Hoops Capital stars set to hit the hardwood.

The Sutherland Sharks, including Kings' Jason Spurgin and Shaun Roger, host Penrith from 7pm Saturday, while Klairus Amir's Central Coast Crusaders travel to The Brickpit to play Hornsby.

In the South, Tyler Robertson's Casey Cavaliers host Dandenong and Keli Leaupepe's Knox battle Kilsyth

.In terms of the Flames, the Norths Bears - headlined Renae Garlepp, Carla Pitman and Caitlyn Martin - travel to Bankstown, Piper Anderson's Comets travel to Newcastle and Tahlia Tupaea's Inner West take on Sherrie Calleia's Hills.

Down in the South, Isabella Brancatisano's Mount Gambier play a road fixture against Geelong and Bonnie Deas' Frankston locks horns with Sandringham.

Stay up to date with all of Hoops Capital's off-season news here.