{"id":45057,"date":"2025-07-08T10:24:29","date_gmt":"2025-07-08T00:24:29","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/basketball\/?p=45057"},"modified":"2025-07-08T10:24:31","modified_gmt":"2025-07-08T00:24:31","slug":"kouakou-heugue-set-to-wonder-as-wildcats-next-star","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/central.rookieme.com\/basketball\/kouakou-heugue-set-to-wonder-as-wildcats-next-star\/","title":{"rendered":"Kouakou-Heugue set to wonder as Wildcats Next Star"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

NOA KOUAKOU-HENGUE<\/strong> has become the second Frenchman to join the Perth Wildcats<\/a> as an NBL Next Star, after joining the pathway for the 2025\/26 season following an eye-catching stint on the international stage.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A big man who brings plenty of versatility to the table, Kouakou-Heugue stands a mighty six-foot-11, and is rising as a prospect for the 2026 NBA Draft class after representing his home country at the 2025 FIBA Under-19 World Cup.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Next Stars program has become a popular option for French draft hopefuls, with the likes of Alexandre Sarr<\/a>, Ousmane Dieng<\/a> and Rayan Rupert<\/a> all using the pathway to reach the NBA, with Sarr suiting up for the Wildcats as well during his tenure down under.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kouakou-Heugue plays the power forward position, and is an extremely mobile frontcourt player, bringing exciting speed and an impressive motor to the table. Although he is still raw as a prospect and will certainly benefit from growing into his frame, playing alongside and against professional players in the NBL will be an excellent opportunity to accelerate his development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Playing for France at the 2025 U19 World Cup, he was selected into the starting lineup, and caught the attention of the world with a thunderous slam against the star-studded United States. Throughout the tournament, he showcased his athletic profile and was a solid performer for his home nation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

He averaged 7.0 points, 5.0 rebounds and 1.6 blocks\u00a0per game, showing why NBA scouts are interested in his potential as a two-way talent at the top level in the coming years, and the Next Stars program is the perfect next step in his development.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“I think the NBL Next Stars program can help me to reach my ultimate goal, which is the NBA,” Kouakou-Heugue said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The NBL is recognised as being a really hard and physical league, and that will help me a lot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“My first interaction with coach Rillie and the Wildcats was really good.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“They were talking to me like they are going to help me be the best version of myself, and I really appreciated it.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Wildcats are currently looking ahead to a new chapter following the departure of star point guard Bryce Cotton<\/a>, and the addition of Kouakou-Heugue is a prospect that excites Perth head coach John Rillie<\/em><\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“The Perth Wildcats have had success with the Next Star program, so I look forward to seeing how Noa embraces this opportunity,” Rillie said.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“With his current skill set he adds athleticism and versatility to our front-line at the defensive end.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“Offensively, he’s a gazelle in transition. Developing his pick-and-roll skills will become a daily habit.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

“To round it out, he will be asked to live on the glass.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kouakou-Heugue is the fourth Next Star to be announced, following the return of Karim Lopez<\/a> (New Zealand Breakers<\/a>) and Malique Lewis<\/a> (SEM Phoenix<\/a>), while Dash Daniels <\/strong>will be joining Melbourne United<\/a> as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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