13
Jan
Charges laid
Taipans stand down Makoi after arrest
Cairns Taipans guard Jackson Makoi has been arrested in NSW. Photo: Steve Bell/Getty Images
Makoi arrested and charged over alleged domestic violence in 2023
Cairns Taipans point guard Jackson Makoi, 24, has been stood down by the NBL club after being arrested and charged by NSW Police over an alleged domestic violence in Sydney in 2023.
He faced Parramatta Local Court on Sunday, charged with common assault and intentionally choking a person with recklessness. Makoi was granted bail.
The case was adjourned to January 15, 2025.
He was arrested on an outstanding warrant at hotel in Sydney Olympic Park.
The incident was alleged to have happened at Oxley Park in November, 2023.
The Cairns Taipans have released this statement on Monday afternoon: "As a result of his court appearance on Sunday 12 January in NSW, the Cairns Taipans have today stood down Jackson Makoi, pending further court proceedings and subsequent investigation by the Integrity Unit of Basketball Australia.
"These charges are in relation to an incident in November 2023 when Makoi was not contracted by the Cairns Taipans.
"The Club is taking these allegations very seriously and will provide no comment while the investigation is ongoing."
The NBL said in a prepare statement at 9.51am on Sunday morning: "The NBL is aware of an incident involving Cairns Taipans player Jackson Makoi and has been advised he has been arrested.
"As this is now a matter for the NSW police and Basketball Australia’s Integrity Unit, the League is unable to comment further at this stage."
Jackson is averaging just under 14 minutes per game for the Taipans, 4.1 points on 36.4% from the field, 2.6 rebounds and 2.5 assists.
Anyiarbany "Jackson" Makoi, is South Sudanese-Australian. He plays for South Sudan in FIBA tournaments.
He played for Vrijednosnice Osijek (2021–2022), Sydney Kings (2022–2024), Northside Wizards (2024). He joined Cairns for NBL25.
In 2022, Makoi signed with the Sydney Kings as a development player. He suited up 15 times but suffered a season-ending knee injury. He re-signed with the Kings at the end of March 2023. He came back from his injury, played in one game before being released in April 2024.
Makoi played for the Northside Wizards in the 2024 NBL1 North Conference.
Cairns play the Sydney Kings (Game Centre) at Qudos Bank Arena on January 12, 2025 in Round 16.
