Darwin Salties re-sign star player

Feature image via: B.Rad Sports Photograph

NBL1 North star Makuach Maluach has re-signed with the Darwin Salties for the 2024 NBL1 season. 

After averaging 22.5 points, 8.6 rebounds and 3.2 assists for the Salties last season, he led his team to a seventh-placed finish before losing to the Logan Thunder in the first round. 

Maluach explained he’s excited to return to the Northern Territory for this coming season. 

“I like what we are building here and the support we get in the Territory - the fans are second to none,” he told the Salties. 

“Even though the first two seasons were a success, I still feel like we have unfinished business and so I’m very happy to be back and competing for a championship!”

With head coach Matt Flinn adding that he believes we are yet to see the best of the 25-year-old. 

He’s carried his fiery momentum into NBL24 with the Sydney Kings, coming off a Player of the Game performance of 18 points -- the athletic forward impressed former NBL MVP Derek Rucker. 

Well, I watched him last offseason in the NBL1 North with Darwin and I really liked what he brought,” Rucker said on Moments that Mattered.

“I thought he was going to be given more opportunities early in the season. It didn't really eventuate, but now Jack, they've shown confidence in him and he’s responded.

“You know, I always thought that he was going to have an impact this season and now

he gets his chance, he's showing, he's rewarding them for the opportunity.”

The NBL1 season starts on March 23, see the full fixture here.

Stay up-to-date with all the latest NBL1 signings via the 2024 Roster Tracker here.