A 26-year-old professional basketball player Ngor Nai has formally entered a not guilty plea to a single count of rape during a Friday morning hearing at the Melbourne Magistrates Court, confirming he will contest the allegations at a full trial. The charge against Nai centers on an alleged incident in May of last year, when prosecutors claim he intentionally sexually penetrated a complainant without a condom, and did not hold a reasonable belief that she consented to intercourse without barrier protection.
Nai has built a notable career across multiple regional and national basketball leagues in Australia and New Zealand. He was a squad member for the Adelaide 36ers during the NBL25 season, and had been drafted to join the Manawatu Jets, a team competing in New Zealand’s top basketball league, for the 2026 season. Prior to these stints, he also played for the Ringwood Hawks and Ipswich Force in Australia’s NBL1 competition.
When Nai first appeared in court on February 2, the court was informed that the 6-foot-10 forward was in the process of relocating to New Zealand ahead of the 2026 Manawatu Jets season. However, just weeks before the new season was set to kick off on March 27, the Jets announced via social media that the organization and Nai had reached a mutual agreement to separate immediately, ending his contract with the team ahead of his debut. During Friday’s hearing, Nai’s legal aid representative told the court that the player has since returned to Melbourne to reside while the legal process moves forward.
Nai currently remains on bail, with strict conditions that require him to live at a confirmed fixed address and prohibit him from leaving Australia. His next court appearance is scheduled for May 15 at the County Court, where he will attend a preliminary directions hearing to outline next steps for the upcoming trial.