Kings championship firmly in Noi's focus after award recognition

The NBL23 season has been one to remember for Kouat Noi, who has established himself as one of the most dangerous bench players in the competition.

During his first season with the Hoops Capital club, the former Cairns Taipan has put up averages of 7.73 points and 3.67 rebounds.

But his impact goes much further than that.

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Not only did he hit a game-winning triple against the Snakes, but he was also part of the competition's top bench unit, including Jordi Hunter, Shaun Bruce, Angus Glover and Jaylin Galloway.

All this helped the Sudanese-born talent secure the Sydney Kings' 2022-23 Hard Yakka Hard Work Award, at the recent club presentation at The Waterview.

"It [winning this award] shows the consistent work I put in on and off the court," Noi said.

"It means a lot to be recognised for my hard work and I don’t take that for granted.

"I’m always putting in extra work before and after practice - I go my hardest whenever I step on that court and that work shows on the court."

With just under a week till our first game of the Hungry Jack's NBL Grand Final Series, the Kings need to secure three wins to go back-to-back.

Be there to help defend the crown at Qudos Bank Arena ? Tickets are available for games 1 & 3 ? https://t.co/t4lRVPyqQb#WeTheKings pic.twitter.com/SgPQcCJeVY

— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) February 26, 2023

Upon reflecting on his first season with the harbour city club, the Newcastle Hunters junior said it's been one of his best years to date.

"I love it, man," the 25-year-old said.

"I’ve never been a part of such a professional organisation, from all the staff members top to bottom, they do their part to make the athletes look good and be in the best shape to compete at the highest level."

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Looking forward, Noi is confident his side has what it takes to help secure the Kings their fifth NBL championship, when their grand final series against New Zealand tips off on Friday at Qudos Bank Arena.

"This was destined - I’ve already visioned myself winning this championship with the Kings before I even signed, we’re winning this," Noi said.

Game one of the Kings' best-of-five Championship Series against New Zealand tips off on Friday, March 3 at 7:30pm AEDT at Qudos Bank Arena, with tickets available here.