New Taipei Kings Sign Sani Sakakini as Asian Import

The New Taipei Kings have officially signed Palestinian international Sani Sakakini as its lone Asian import player for the 2024-25 East Asia Super League season. The Kings announced this news Friday afternoon via their Instagram page. Sakakini will wear No. 31 with New Taipei.  

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"Sani’s playing style fits our tactics very well, especially his physical advantage, which allows him to handle the high intensity of the EASL while also adding more weapons to our team," said New Taipei Kings’ General Manager, James Mao.

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Sakakini joins New Taipei after a year-long stint with Al Riyadi Club Beirut of the Lebanese Basketball League. The 6-foot-8 forward is no stranger to the P. LEAGUE+ (TPE), however, as he was a former import with the Taoyuan Pauian Pilots in 2022-23. The Kings will be Sakakini’s 18th professional team since beginning his career in 2007.

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At the club level, Sakakini has an extensive list of accolades. A former Arab Club Championship winner in 2022, he also earned All-Chinese CBA 3rd Team honors in 2014 and was named to a CBA Honorable Mention in 2016 and 2017. 

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Internationally, Sakakini joined the Palestine national basketball team in 2006. He played a key role in leading the country to its first-ever FIBA Asia Championships berth in 2015. On August 23, 2021, Sakakini announced his retirement from international basketball. 

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Sakakini’s arrival adds further depth to an already loaded New Taipei frontcourt. Alongside 6-foot-11 Chris Johnson and 7-foot Jason Washburn, Sakakini brings a perimeter presence with his ability to step back and knock down the occasional 3. 

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The Kings open their 2024-25 EASL season on Wednesday, Oct. 23, at home against the Macau Black Bears. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. local time.