Noi revels in chance to take down former team

Forward Kouat Noi has been an integral part of the Sydney Kings' 3-0 in NBL23, by providing a scoring spark off the bench.

Through those three games, the Newcastle product, in his first season with the Hoops Capital side, is averaging seven points a game as a reserve - seeing him show flashes of his NBL1 North MVP season with Rip City.

“Coming into a club like this, I just wanted to play my role and help the team win in any way I can,” South Sudanese-born Noi said.

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“I’ve been happy with how I’ve been able to contribute to our three wins on both sides of the ball and to be honest, to best thing is that I’m back enjoying my basketball - something I lost a little over the past few years.

“I honestly feel I’m in the perfect situation now to help my game flourish and become the player I know I can be.”

While he's been happy with his showings against Illawarra, Brisbane and Melbourne, Friday's showdown with Cairns will have extra meaning for Noi - with him spending two seasons with the Snakes before arriving at the harbour city.

“This is a game I marked on the calendar as soon as it came out, as you always want to play well against your former team,” said Noi, who admits he feels as healthy as he’s felt in years.

“Adding to that, both teams have started the season well and have a lot of momentum at the moment, so it should be a really exciting game to be a part of - with both teams liking to push the pace and shoot threes.

“We know they’re coming here looking to claim a big scalp but if our resolute defence continues to hold firm, I’m confident we’ll be able to move to 4-0.”

That momentum Noi alludes to he admits has to do with the Kings still riding high of last season’s championship.

“For players like me that weren’t part of that title, you’re quickly caught up to speed with the standards a club like this has and what it takes to succeed at the highest level,” the 24-year-old said.

“There’s a sense that we’re building off last season’s success, with so many familiar faces still here at the club - we’re all on the same page of trying to win Sydney back-to-back championships.”

Friday’s round three showdown at Qudos Bank Arena, which will be Shaun Bruce’s 100th in Kings colours, tips off at 7.30pm AEDT.