Noi to Breakers, Waardenburg to Melbourne United
- 5 minutes ago
- 2 min read
The Breakers have sigend star player Kouat Noi with final approval from the NBL for the next season featuring a mutual option to extend his tenure through NBL28.
The versatile 201 cm (6’7”) forward is known for his explosive energy and clinical scoring.His arrival follows a career-best period where he averaged 11.5 points and 3.8 rebounds per game for the reigning champion Sydney Kings.
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“I am coming to Auckland to win. Look at the roster we are assembling - we are going to be the most entertaining team to watch. Personally, my mindset is locked in on an MVP-calibre season," said Noi.
“I’m ready to fully embrace Aotearoa, I’m hyped to embrace the culture, the fans, and the whānau. Strap on your seatbelts BNZ Breakers fans!”
The 28-year-old's presence strengthens the Breakers roster for the NBL27 season. He recently secured his second NBL title with the Sydney Kings, having previously won with the Kings in NBL23.
The Breakers recently announced the signings of marquee guard DJ Vasiljevic, "young gun" Preston Le Gassick, and an extension for Kiwi star Carlin Davison.
Meanwhile Tall Black Sam Waardenburg is joining Melbourne United for next season saying that playing alongside NBL champions, such as Chris Goulding and Shea Ili, will help take his game to the next level.
He was one of the biggest Free Agency signings this off-season, and now Waardenburg has opened up about why he signed with Melbourne United.
Through his 84 NBL games to date, the 27-year-old has career averages of 12 points, 5.5 rebounds and 2.2 assists per game
“They [Goulding and Ili] are just so experienced, and they’ve kind of seen everything in this League,” Waardenburg said on NBL Now.
“Shea is one of the best defenders in this League. He's proven that year in and year out.
“Then Chris Goulding, he's just such a great shooter, just a great champion, such a great player.
“Being around those guys is really going to be amazing.
“Being able to work on both my offensive and defensive parts of my game, while building that championship mindset as well, [is going to be amazing].
“They've both been big winners in this league, and being around that is going to be really awesome and exciting.”
Former Taipan Waardenburg is currently playing with Indios De Mayagüez in Puerto Rico,