Noi was born in Khartoum, Sudan during the height of the Second Sudanese Civil War. His family fled the country amid escalations of the conflict, first to Egypt and later to Australia in 2002.[1] Growing up in Newcastle, he blossomed into a basketball star, and went on to average 9.1 points and 4.3 rebounds while helping lead Australia to a silver medal at the 2014 FIBA Under-17 World Championship in Dubai.[2]
In 2017–18, Noi played in all 33 of TCU's games, starting nine of them. He averaged 10.2 points per game as the Frogs finished the season with a 21-12 record and secured a berth in the 2018 NCAA tournament, the program's first in 20 years.[8]
As a sophomore, Noi registered his first collegiate 20-point game with a 27-point performance against Eastern Michigan on 26 November 2018[9] and his first career 30-point game against Oklahoma on 12 January 2019.[10] Noi averaged 13.9 points and 4.9 rebounds per game as a sophomore playing in 31 games, including 19 starts. He declared for the 2019 NBA draft, forfeiting his remaining two years of eligibility.[11] He later withdrew from the draft.[12]
Professional career
Cairns Taipans (2019–2022)
Noi shoots a lay-up against the Brisbane Bullets during a 2019 game
In July 2019, Noi signed with the Cairns Taipans of the Australian National Basketball League.[13] In March 2021, he suffered a PCL injury that ruled him out for 12 weeks.[14] He re-signed with the Taipans in June 2021.[15]
USC Rip City, Sydney Kings and Darwin Salties (2022–present)
In June 2022, Noi signed a two-year contract with the Sydney Kings.[18] After winning the 2022–23 championship, the club exercised its team option on his contract.[19] He then re-joined the USC Rip City for the 2023 NBL1 North season.[20][21] He was named to the All-NBL1 North First Team for the second straight year.[22]
On 18 March 2024, Noi signed with the Darwin Salties for the 2024 NBL1 North season.[23][24] He was named to the NBL1 North First Team for the third straight year.[25]
On 2 April 2024, Noi re-signed with the Kings on a three-year deal.[26]
^"Kouat Noi". FIBA.basketball. Retrieved 31 January 2019.
^Kerry, Craig (20 May 2013). "Hunters teen gets national call-up". Newcastle Herald. Retrieved 12 March 2024. A San Clemente High School student, Noi was named in a 20-man Australian squad after representing NSW Country at the national under-16...
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