AFTER rising to stardom in the NBL over recent years, Sydney Kings forward Xavier Cooks has achieved his dream of landing a spot on an NBA roster.
The 2021/22 Finals Most Valuable Player (MVP) and 2022/23 Andrew Gaze Trophy winner has been open about his quest to join the world’s most prestigious league, and that goal was made a reality earlier today.
On Monday morning, it was announced Cooks would be signing with the Washington Wizards in the NBA, on a deal that would take him through to the end of the 2023/24 season.
The forward will join the team at the conclusion of the NBL Championship Series, looking to finish off his hard work with the Kings that has put the team in a winning position.
Cooks entered the 2018 NBA Draft, but was not selected despite winning the 2018 Big South Conference Player of the Year for the Winthrop Eagles (he also became the team’s all-time leading rebounder).
The Ballarat native returned to his home shores of Australia, still with plenty to offer at a high level.
The past four years has seen Cooks explode on the NBL scene, establishing himself as one of the country’s best talents, particularly in the last two seasons. In the Championship Series last year, Cooks led the Kings to victory, and was awarded the Larry Sengstock Medal as the Grand Final Series MVP.
The 27-year-old took his game to the next level in the 2022/23 season, winning the MVP award as he steered the Kings to the top of the table. He averaged 16.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and four assists per game, but his impact stretched much further than those figures, proving a towering figure on both ends of the court.
He produced highlight after highlight, including a number of thunderous slams across the fixture, a few of which were heard around the world. Cooks became one of the NBL’s biggest names in no time at all, and rumblings of an NBA call-up continued to follow.
The talented forward will join the likes of Bradley Beal, Kristaps Porzingis and Kyle Kuzma on the Wizards, and should be a complimentary piece on a list stacked with talent. Cooks’ motor and versatility should translate to the NBA, and he looks set to be a valued contributor for Washington in the coming weeks.
NBL25 Wrapped Mini – Round 13
THE FIRST half of Round 13 in the National Basketball League (NBL)’s 2024/25 season took place over the weekend, as the competition began 12 consecutive days of games. From Friday to Sunday, four games took place and there were some dominant team displays in that time as the contenders look to separate themselves from the […]
Wildcats looking to keep form rolling in tough matchup
SUNDAY takes the Perth Wildcats, winners of four out of their last five games, to the WIN Entertainment Centre to take on the Illawarra Hawks, the team who delivered Perth that solitary loss in their last five outings. Illawarra is clear on top of the NBL25 table, with a record of 10-5. They have also […]
Christmas round set to begin with double-header
DESPITE starting a day later than other weeks, Round 13 of the National Basketball League (NBL) begins tonight, with two games on the agenda as the bumper Christmas week of play kicks off. With just seven weeks remaining in the 2024/25 season, each week contains matchups that will certainly shape the race for the finals. […]
Cotton craziness continues as Bryce brings the big show
THE FORM of superstar point guard Bryce Cotton has been irresistible of late, and he has shown no signs of slowing down after another match-winning performance in the big win over the Cairns Taipans last weekend. Cotton came into the Perth Wildcats‘ matchup against the bottom-placed Taipans in career-best form, having recorded 40 or more […]
NBL25 Next Star Watch – Round 12
WITH Round 12 of the National Basketball League (NBL)’s 2024/25 season taking place over the weekend, the Next Stars are running out of time to impress NBA scouts, and each game carries plenty of importance. With another batch of games seeing some exciting action, the next generation of basketball stars will be looking to make […]
Davis dominates as Sixers get back on track
A MONSTER performance from Kendric Davis has helped the Adelaide 36ers secure a much-needed win in Round 12 of the National Basketball League (NBL) action over the weekend. Davis and the Sixers hosted the New Zealand Breakers at Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Saturday evening, with both sides looking to get back on the winners’ list. […]
Lynx, Wildcats get wins over weekend
JUST ONE game each was played by the Western Australian sides over the weekend for the first time all year, and it came as a success as both teams had convincing victories. For the Perth Lynx, Thursday night welcomed the bottom-placed UC Capitals to Bendat as the home side looked to bounce back from their […]
Daniels Dash-ing to United as Next Star
THE DANIELS name continues to grow, with Dash looking to follow in his brother’s footsteps and make the NBA. However, he will be taking a different path, instead joining the National Basketball League (NBL) Next Stars program. Daniels’ brother Dyson was drafted to the NBA as the eighth overall pick in the 2022 NBA Draft, […]
NBL25 Wrapped – Round 12
THE STATE of play in the National Basketball League (NBL) was shaken up once again over the weekend, with Round 12 of the 2024/25 season delivering another crucial batch of results. The ladder is extremely tight in the back half of the fixture, and the events of the weekend ensured that trend looks to continue […]
