Noa for Next Star

The Perth Wildcats are excited to welcome Noa Kouakou-Heugue, widely regarded as one of Europe’s brightest young prospects, thanks to his impressive size, versatility, athleticism, and developing all-around skill set.

Kouakou-Heugue has been making waves in French and European competitions and is widely tipped as one to watch for future NBA Drafts following strong performances across multiple high-profile youth tournaments.

The versatile 6'11 PF/C averaged 9.7 points and 4.8 rebounds with Pole France Paris last season shooting 51.7% from the field, and claimed MVP honours averaging 13 points and 7.4 rebounds at the Adidas Next Generation Tournament in Belgrade. He has also represented France at the U16 European Championship, U17 World Cup, and with the French U19 National Team.

Arriving in Perth in July, Kouakou-Heugue said he’s excited for the next step in his career.

“I’m really excited to join the Wildcats because they’ve proven they can help players reach the NBA. Seeing guys like Alexandre Sarr come through here shows it’s a great place to develop. I’m ready to work hard, improve my game, and play in front of the amazing fans”    

Perth Wildcats Head Coach John Rillie believes Kouakou-Heugue will bring a dynamic presence to the Wildcats’ lineup.

“It’s exciting that Noa has trusted us with his development as he chases his basketball dreams. The Perth Wildcats have had success with the Next Star program, so I look forward to seeing how Noa embraces this opportunity. 

With his current skill set he adds athleticism and versatility to our front line at the defensive end.  Offensively, he’s a gazelle in transition. Developing his pick and roll skills will become a daily habit. To round it out, he will be asked to live on the glass.”

The signing marks another major coup for both the Wildcats and the NBL’s globally respected Next Stars program, which continues to attract top-tier international talent.

Wildcats General Manager of Basketball Operations Danny Mills said securing Kouakou-Heugue as a Next Star is another significant moment for the club and the Next Stars program.

“We're thrilled to welcome Noa to the Wildcats and believe he’s a great addition to our current roster,” said Mills.

“Noa is widely recognised as one of Europe’s top young talents. His combination of size, skill, and a high motor gives him a strong foundation to grow from, with real potential to develop into an NBA player in the future.”

“We’re pleased that Noa and his family view the Perth Wildcats as the ideal environment for the next step of his pro career, and we welcome them to Perth for this next chapter.”

“In recent years, our organisation and coaching staff has had significant success in developing young talent, and we’re confident Noa will follow a similar path and make a lasting impact here in Perth.”

The Wildcats have already seen success in the Next Stars program with French big man Alexandre Sarr, who elevated his NBA Draft stock during his season in Perth and was selected with the number two pick by the Washington Wizards in the 2024 NBA Draft.

Spanish forward Izan Almansa also followed in those footsteps, spending last season with the Wildcats before being picked up by the Philadelphia 76ers to play in NBA Summer League 2025.

Kouakou-Heugue now becomes the latest talent to continue that exciting pathway, as the Wildcats strengthen their reputation as a launchpad for elite young players with NBA aspirations.

SEE NOAH IN ACTION BY BECOMING A WILDCATS MEMBER TODAY