Sydney re-sign guard Makoi on two-year deal

On the heels of re-signing key pieces to the Kings' 2022-23 championship campaign, Sydney is excited to announce Jackson Makoi will be returning to the club for the NBL24 season.

The point guard has put pen to paper on a new two-year deal (first-year development player before converting into a full roster spot in NBL25), making him the seventh player - alongside Jaylin Galloway, Dejan Vasiljevic, Jordi Hunter, Angus Glover, Kouat Noi and Shaun Bruce - to commit to the Hoops Capital side.

"[Deciding to re-sign] was easy," Makoi said.

REGISTER YOUR NBL24 MEMBERSHIP INTEREST NOW

"Being a part of an amazing group and organisation and winning the grand final in my first year is something I’d like to do again."

The South Sudanese international appeared in 15 fixtures during his debut campaign with the harbour city outfit, averaging 2.2 points, 0.8 assists and 0.73 rebounds in 5.64 minutes per game.

"My first season [in Sydney] was amazing," the 22-year-old said.

"I was welcomed with open arms into an organisation that made me feel comfortable, had plenty of fun and got a lot of work done which is all I could ask for.

"The coaching staff and my teammates helped me play the game in different aspects - from a general leadership type of position and in a high-tempo type of style it has taught me to think the game better."

Check out our Hoops Capital East launch video above, via our Sydney Kings' YouTube channel. While you're there, be sure to hit subscribe, to ensure you never miss out on any of our great videos.

Kings fans will have to wait until mid-NBL24 to see Makoi on the court though, with the Daytona State alum currently rehabbing from an ACL injury in his right knee.

"Rehab has been very positive so far," said Makoi, who grew up in Melbourne.

"We’re taking it one step at a time and not trying to rush the process - looking to come back stronger and healthier than before.

"I have complete faith in our physio team and strength and conditioning coaches."

When he does return to the court for Chase Buford's side, Makoi is keen to help the purple and gold achieve its second-ever three-peat.

"I’ll be back hungrier than ever, with a chip on my shoulder and something to prove," Makoi said.

"I’ve always believed in myself being able to play at the highest level, now I just have to take the necessary steps to show everybody else what I’m capable of."

GRAB YOUR KINGS' NBL23 CHAMPIONSHIP MERCHANDISE NOW

Kings CEO Chris Pongrass expressed his delight to be able to bring Makoi back to the club for two more NBL seasons.

"Ever since Jackson arrived in Sydney, his energy to improve each and every day has been contagious and we're thrilled to have him at our club for at least two more years," Pongrass said.

"He's one of the competition's top young guards, with international experience under his belt and I believe he will be an asset to our playing group.

"I can't wait to see him back on court and show everyone just how talented he is; we are committed to getting him back to the level he was playing prior to his injury”.

Stay up to date with all the club's off-season news here.