The New Zealand Breakers have continued their hot off-season, signing reigning NBL champion and sharpshooter Kouat Noi as they look to build a roster capable of contending in the 2026-27 season.
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Former Sixth Man of the Year and two-time NBL champion Noi has penned a two-year deal (pending approval from the NBL), with the second year a mutual option, sources told Fox Sports Australia.
Fresh off a successful championship run with the Sydney Kings, Noi departs the club after 127 games (regular/playoffs) across four seasons, leaving with two championships and a Sixth Man of the Year award.
For the Breakers, the signing addresses one of the club’s biggest weaknesses from last season. New Zealand finished sixth in offensive rating (113.4) and, despite attempting the fifth-most three-pointers per game (27.6), ranked second-last in three-point percentage at just 30.8%.
With the recent arrival of sharpshooter Dejan Vasiljevic and now Noi, it is clear the Breakers are making perimeter shooting a priority. The duo previously played together during Sydney’s 2022-23 championship-winning campaign, combining to shoot 37.3% from deep that season.
The move marks Noi’s third team in his seven-year NBL career. The Sudan-born forward began his professional journey with the Cairns Taipans in 2019, spending three seasons with the club as he developed into one of the league’s most exciting scorers.
After joining the Kings in 2022, Noi produced the best basketball of his career during the 2024-25 season, averaging 14.6 points and 3.2 rebounds per game while shooting an impressive 38.4% from beyond the arc. His performances earned him his first Sixth Man of the Year award.
“I’m coming to Auckland to win. Look at the roster we’re building, we’re going to be one of the most entertaining teams to watch. Personally, my mindset is locked in on an MVP-calibre season,” Noi said.
“I’m ready to fully embrace Aotearoa, the culture, the fans, and the whānau. Strap yourselves in, Breakers fans.”
Breakers President of Basketball Operations Dillon Boucher was equally excited about the signing, describing Noi as a proven winner.
“Kouat is a proven winner who brings an incredible level of intensity and flair to the court,” he said. “He has the ability to score the ball in multiple ways and is an elite offensive spark.”
Club chairman and owner Marc Mitchell also praised the signing, highlighting his mindset and competitiveness.
“Kouat’s championship mindset and team-first approach make him exactly the type of player we want,” he said. “He is an athlete who leaves everything on the floor, and we know our fans are going to make him feel at home in New Zealand.”
Noi, 28, is currently spending his off-season in Lebanon after recently signing with Riyadhi Beirut Club, who sit atop the standings heading into the playoffs.
Despite still not having appointed a head coach, the Breakers’ off-season moves can only be viewed positively.
The club continues to add championship-winning talent and experience, pairing Noi and Vasiljevic with retained stars Sam Mennenga and Parker Jackson-Cartwright in what is shaping as one of the most exciting rosters in the NBL heading into next season.
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