Anguik signs on for second Goldfields stint

A familiar face has returned to the Goldfields this week after the Northern Star Resources Goldfields Giants re-signed swingman Kon Anguik for the 2024 NBL1 West season.

Together with the Kalgoorlie Boulder Basketball Association, the club is excited to see the return of the 195cm guard who is set to be an important piece in the Giants’ defensive arsenal.

Anguik had some standout games last season with a 20 point and seven rebound finish against Cockburn Cougars and a 19 point game against Lakeside Lightning with six rebounds, four assists and four steals.

On his re-signing, Anguik said he was looking forward to playing under Head Coach Matt Van Pelt’s vision.

“I decided to come back because I spoke with the new coach and was happy with the vision he had for the season,” he said.

“I also wanted to be able to come back and build on last season. Disappointing season for me personally and as a team but this year will be a chance to grow from that experience and be better.

“As a team and as an individual I want to drastically improve from last season.”

Van Pelt classed Anguik as an “unselfish player” who he expects to be a key defensive player in his squad this season.

“He's very athletic and he is a good size at six foot five so he has the ability to guard multiple positions which will make him a very good defensive player for us,” he said.

“We really are trying to be one of the better defensive teams in the league and we think he can help with that.

“He has the ability to guard guys that are bigger than him and he can slow down some of the better perimeter players in the league, which is one thing that we'll ask him to do.

“He's a guy that adds a lot of versatility for us – he can knock down the open three, he can attack the basket, he can guard multiple positions.

“So he's somebody that provides a little bit of everything for us, and we're excited to have him.”

Originally from South Sudan, Anguik grew up in Queensland, playing basketball in high school before spending four years in the US to play college ball.

Anguik played in the NCAA division two, playing the 2016-17 season with the Regis University Rangers in Colorado, the 2017-18 season with the Sheridan College Generals, the 2018-19 season with the Coker University Cobras and his senior year for the Simpson University Red Hawks.

While completing a business degree, the student athlete was named to the South Atlantic Conference commissioner's honour roll and received the 2018-19 D2 Athletics Directors Association academic achievement award.

Anguik arrived in Kalgoorlie-Boulder on March 6 to begin preseason training before the Giants begin their season against Lakeside Lightning on April 6.

ENDS

Player profile:

DOB: 6th February, 1996 From: South Sudan Height: 195cm
Position: guard

Giants playing number: TBC