BIO: Anyiarbany Makoi, better known as Jackson Makoi was born in Egypt before moving to Melbourne, Australia at a early age. He moved to the United States to play high school basketball.

He moved to the US in 2019 to play high school basketball with Victory Rock Prep (Sarasota, Florida).

NBL EXPERIENCE

Jackson Makoi made his NBL debut with the Sydney Kings at 22 years of age. He scored seven points in his first game.

On 21 June 2022, Jackson Makoi signed with the Sydney Kings as a development player for the 2022/23 NBL season.

In his debut season with Sydney, the South Sudanese international took the court in 15 games, posting averages of 2.2 points, 0.8 assists, and 0.73 rebounds in 5.64 minutes per game. His season was cut short by an ACL injury to his right knee.

2023/24
Following the success of the Kings’ 2022-23 championship run, Sydney re-signed Makoi on a new two-year contract, with the first year as a development player and a full roster spot lined up for NBL25.

“Being part of an amazing group and organisation and winning the grand final in my first year is something I’d love to experience again,” the 22-year-old shared when he re-signed.

“My first season in Sydney was incredible. The coaching staff and my teammates helped me grow in so many areas – from leadership on the court to adapting to a high-tempo style that taught me to approach the game with a different perspective.”

Entering Makoi’s second season, the Kings underwent significant roster changes in preparation for NBL24, driven by several key players moving on to NBA opportunities. MVP Xavier Cooks and DJ Vasiljevic both joined the Washington Wizards, while coach Chase Buford pursued his NBA ambitions, eventually joining the Milwaukee Bucks. Imports Derrick Walton Jr, Justin Simon, and Tim Soares also moved overseas, leaving Jordan Hunter as the sole returning starter from the championship squad.

Former league MVP Jaylen Adams returned after a season in Europe, joined by new imports DJ Hogg (via Cairns), Denzel Valentine, and ex-NBA and Australian Boomer Jonah Bolden, who returned to basketball following a four-year absence. With G-League championship coach Mahmoud Abdelfattah taking over from Buford, Sydney entered the season as strong title contenders despite their extensive roster overhaul.

After ten games, the Kings stood in second place (7-3), with only two losses coming at the hands of the Tasmania JackJumpers (twice) and the Cairns Taipans. This record was achieved despite missing key players DJ Hogg (who was injured during the season’s first half) and Jaylin Galloway.

However, from Round 8 onwards, Sydney’s performance declined, with defensive struggles becoming a recurring theme as they allowed 100 points in nine games, ending the season among the league’s weakest defensive teams.

The team’s highlights came from the pick-and-roll offense executed by Adams (19.4 points, 3.2 rebounds, 5.3 assists, and 1.1 steals) and Hunter (10.3 points, 7.0 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks). Bolden (8.5 points, 6.4 rebounds, and 1.1 assists) contributed several strong performances, working his way back into form after a long hiatus. Meanwhile, Denzel Valentine (12.2 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.1 steals) and DJ Hogg (14.4 points, 5.3 rebounds, 3.0 assists, and 1.3 blocks) did not meet expectations on both ends. Sydney ultimately placed fifth, missing the playoffs after falling to New Zealand in the play-in tournament.

Bright spots emerged with breakout performances from rookie Alex Toohey (8 points and 4.0 rebounds), Kouat Noi (10.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 1.0 assists), who nearly won the league’s best sixth-man award, and Galloway (10.3 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 1.2 steals). These players showcased the team’s depth and young talent despite the overall challenges. Makoi appeared in only 12 games and went scoreless across his limited court time.

Jackson Makoi currently plays for the Cairns Taipans and has played 27 games in his NBL career. He has averaged 2.8 points, 1.4 rebounds, and 1.5 assists since entering the league in 2022.

CURRENT CONTRACT:

Cairns Taipans – 1 Year Deal (2024-25)

Dan Boyce (829 Posts)

Dan Boyce is a die-hard Sydney Kings fan who grew up in Melbourne during the roaring 90's of Australian Basketball and spent far too much time collecting Futera NBL Basketball cards.