Kings vs Hawks: Ep. 5 — Firepower Kings, Saville heads to Sydney and The “Resurrection Squad”
December 24, 2025
Xavier Cooks
- Nationality: AUS
- Date of Birth: 19/08/95
- Place of Birth: Ballarat (VIC)
- Position: G/F
- Height (CM): 203
- Weight (KG): 83
- Junior Assoc: NSW - Illawarra
- College: Winthrop (2014–2018)
- NBL DEBUT: 14/12/19
- AGE AT DEBUT: 24
- LAST NBL GAME: 15/03/23
- AGE AT LAST GAME: 27
- NBL History: Sydney 2020-23, 2025-26
- Championships: 2
- Sydney (2022-23)
BIO: Cooks was born in Ballarat, Victoria to father Eric and mother Josie. His father is a African-American expatriate who became a naturalised citizen of Australia after a long-serving career playing in the Australian state league (CBA) and his mother is Australian.
He was raised alongside siblings Georgia and Dominique, the latter of which formerly played professional basketball for the Illawarra Hawks. His family moved to Wollongong when Xavier was a young age when his father accepted a opportunity with the Illawarra Hawks.
FAMILY: Xavier Cooks is the son of Eric Cooks who played 119 games in the NBL. Xavier’s brother, Dom Cooks also played 14 games in the NBL.
NBL EXPERIENCE
Xavier Cooks made his NBL debut with the Sydney Kings at 24 years of age. He scored two points in his first game.
Xavier Cooks averaged 6.1 points and 8.9 rebounds during the 2019/20 season, contributing to a Sydney Kings team that finished in first place with a 20-8 record. In the semifinals, Sydney defeated Melbourne (2-1), setting up a Grand Final showdown with Perth. However, the best-of-five Grand Final series was cut short by the Kings, who chose to withdraw while down 2–1, citing COVID-19 concerns. As a result, Perth was awarded the championship, and Sydney was deemed runners-up.
2020/21
The Kings faced significant roster changes after their runner-up finish to Perth in the 2020 season, cut short by COVID-19. The team was forced to replace key figures: All-NBL First Team forward Jae’Sean Tate and head coach Will Weaver both departed for the NBA’s Houston Rockets, while veterans Kevin Lisch, Andrew Bogut, and Lucas Walker retired. Kings assistant Adam Forde was promoted to head coach, bringing in new talent, including import Jarell Martin, Angus Glover (via Illawarra), and rookie Dejan Vasiljevic (from Miami University). During preseason, promising forward Xavier Cooks suffered a foot injury, and Tom Vodanovich (via New Zealand) was signed as his injury replacement. Glover then tore his ACL and was sidelined for all but two games.
With a young core stepping up in the absence of key veterans, the Kings struggled early, dropping three of their first four games to sit at seventh on the ladder. During an in-season tournament, the NBL Cup, Sydney began to gain momentum, breaking even at 4-4 and then climbing into the top four by Round 12, thanks to a balanced offense led by co-captain Casper Ware (17.7 points, 3.1 rebounds, 4.4 assists) and Martin (17.9 points, 7.0 rebounds, 1.0 assists). Vasiljevic (15.4 points, 3.6 rebounds, 1.8 assists) and Jordan Hunter (9.0 points, 6.4 rebounds, 1.1 blocks) emerged as core contributors, with Hunter finishing second in Most Improved Player voting and Vasiljevic winning Rookie of the Year. Cooks (10.3 points, 5.1 rebounds, 2.5 assists, 1.0 blocks) returned late in the season, making an impact with a career-high 19 points and 11 rebounds against Illawarra.
Despite solid individual performances, the Kings struggled with perimeter shooting (ranking last in three-point percentage, 33.4%) and winning on the road, ultimately falling to fifth place with a 19-17 record, just missing the playoffs.
2021/22
In 2021, the Kings replaced head coach Adam Forde with unproven American coach Chase Buford, son of NBA executive R.C. Buford. Buford inherited a strong core lineup that included Xavier Cooks, Jarell Martin, and Dejan Vasiljevic, and added former NBA talent Jaylen Adams and import RJ Hunter.
The Kings faced a challenging start with early-season injuries. RJ Hunter played only one game before being sidelined, while Adams missed a third of the season, and young big man Jordan Hunter missed the entire season. This led to a slow start, with the Kings hitting a rough patch in January, losing four consecutive games. However, with Adams’ return and the addition of NBA veteran Ian Clark (an injury replacement for Jordan Hunter), Sydney found their rhythm. Clark averaged 13.9 points, 2.3 rebounds, and 2.1 assists, proving to be a valuable scoring asset off the bench.
The Kings finished the regular season on a 13-game winning streak, positioning themselves for the playoffs. They met Brian Goorjian and the Illawarra Hawks in the semifinals, winning the series in two straight games. Meanwhile, Tasmania JackJumpers, in their debut season, managed to qualify for the playoffs due to points percentage after South East Melbourne beat Perth in the season’s final game. The JackJumpers shocked Melbourne United, setting up a Grand Final showdown with the Kings.
In Game 1 of the Grand Final series, Sydney overpowered Tasmania (95-78), with MVP Jaylen Adams scoring 18 points before suffering a left hamstring injury that sidelined him for the remainder of the series.
In Game 2, Josh Adams of the JackJumpers scored 36 points in front of a packed Tasmanian crowd, but the Kings held their ground with strong performances from Xavier Cooks and Jarell Martin, both scoring 20 points. Dejan Vasiljevic sealed the game with a long-range three-pointer, clinching a 90-86 victory and setting an NBL record with Sydney’s 12th straight road win.
Dejan Vasiljevic with the 𝘿𝘼𝙂𝙂𝙀𝙍 🗡️
–
– 📺 Watch the #NBLFinals Live on ESPN pic.twitter.com/XDIgoHVKo9— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) May 8, 2022
The Kings closed out the series in Game 3, breaking their 17-year championship drought in front of 16,000 fans at Qudos Bank Arena. Cooks and Martin combined for 45 points and 29 rebounds in the victory. Cooks was named Finals MVP, averaging 19 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 assists across the series. At 33, Buford became one of the youngest coaches to win an NBL title.
17 years in the making 💜💛#WeTheKings #NBL22 pic.twitter.com/Wz7uIGjTr6— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) May 14, 2022
2022/23
Following their championship win, Sydney faced significant roster changes, losing star imports Jaylen Adams, Jarell Martin, and Ian Clark to overseas opportunities. Sydney aimed to retain their core local talent, including Xavier Cooks, Dejan Vasiljevic, and Angus Glover, while adding imports Derrick Walton Jr, Tim Soares, and Justin Simon. Kouat Noi also joined the team from Cairns, rounding out a revamped lineup under Buford’s leadership.
The Kings began their title defense with a (3-0) start, highlighted by a dominant 91-71 win over Melbourne, where they set a 25-0 run in the second quarter. This win marked their 15th consecutive road victory, a new NBL record. Cooks led with 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 assists, shooting 60% (9/15) from the field and punctuating the game by throwing down the dunk of the year.
Sydney suffered its first season loss in the following game, as Cairns delivered an 83-78 upset. Cairns, missing their star Tahjere McCall, executed defensively while Sydney struggled from the foul line, making just 14 of 25 attempts. Shannon Scott (16 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists) led Cairns in McCall’s absence, while DJ Hogg (15 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists) also made an impact.
Vasiljevic scored 20 points, with Cooks adding 15 points and 8 rebounds, while Walton Jr contributed 14 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists, but the Kings couldn’t bridge the gap created by the Taipans’ defense.
After a win over Brisbane, Sydney faced a narrow home loss to Adelaide (92-88). Adelaide, returning from a preseason victory over the NBA’s Phoenix Suns, held off Sydney in the final minutes. Mitch McCarron’s defensive stand secured the win for Adelaide, with import Craig Randall II leading all scorers with 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists.
In round five, Sydney seemed poised for a third straight home loss until Noi’s buzzer-beating three-pointer secured a dramatic 106-103 victory over his former team, Cairns. Cooks nearly posted a triple-double with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists, helping the Kings climb to an 8-2 record atop the ladder.
The Kings then faced New Zealand in a clash of first vs. second on the ladder. Sydney weathered a late Breakers comeback to win 81-77 but lost Walton Jr to an ankle injury (he scored 12 points in 18 minutes) and Cooks, who would miss three weeks of games, including the Australian Boomers World Cup Qualifier against Kazakhstan.
The Kings received a boost with Cooks returning from injury, albeit in a game where Cairns snapped Sydney’s road winning streak, ending it at 17 in a row. Keanu Pinder (30 points and 13 rebounds) delivered a career-high scoring effort in a Taipans comeback victory that had to be decided in overtime (94-88). Cooks (25 points and 10 rebounds) was to go after being sidelined and scored the first 6 points for the Kings before fouling out in the fourth quarter.
In a thriller against South East Melbourne, Mitch Creek (46 points) and Walton Jr (45 points) posted the first 40-point games of the season. Despite injuries to key players, Creek and Walton delivered a double-overtime epic that ended in a narrow 113-112 loss, dropping Sydney to second behind New Zealand.
After the loss, Coach Buford was suspended, and assistant Kevin Lisch led Sydney to a dominant 97-77 victory over Tasmania. The Kings scored 56 points in the paint, shooting a season-high 69% from the field. Cooks led with 23 points and 7 rebounds, while Walton Jr added 11 points and 7 assists.
Sydney’s biggest victory came against Brisbane (116-67), marking a 49-point win—the largest margin in the 40-minute era and their biggest win over the Bullets. Cooks scored 20 points, Soares added 20, and Walton Jr had 18.
Cooks recorded his first triple-double (16 points on 7/13 shooting, 10 rebounds, 10 assists) as Sydney defeated South East Melbourne 111-106 to clinch a top-two finish during the NBL’s first Pride Round fixture. Cooks would finish the season with averages of 16.2 points, 7.8 rebounds, and 4.2 assists, later earning the league MVP award.
While New Zealand and Cairns fought it out for second place (both finishing with 18 wins for the season), Sydney ended the season on top of the ladder (19-9) despite losing their last two games heading into the playoffs. Cooks (16.2 points, 7.8 rebounds and 4.2 assists) finished the season by recording his first triple-double, 16 points (on 7/13 shooting), 10 rebounds and 10 assists, in the Kings win over the Phoenix (111-106) and was named NBL MVP two weeks later.
While New Zealand and Cairns both finished with 18 wins, Sydney topped the ladder with a 19-9 record despite dropping their last two games. Cooks’ triple-double capped the season, as he was named NBL MVP two weeks later.
With Cairns defeating Perth (91-78) in the play-in tournament, they met Sydney in the semi-finals. Cooks’ 27-point, 14-rebound performance propelled the Kings to a game one win (95-87). Game two saw Buford ejected amidst physical play, with DJ Hogg (25 points, 8 rebounds) and Tahjere McCall (20 points, 7 assists) leading Cairns to a 93-82 win, setting up a deciding game three.
In game three, Vasiljevic scored 15 points and added five rebounds, hitting three crucial three-pointers to secure Sydney’s 79-64 victory. Cooks and Noi each posted double-doubles (11 points, 11 rebounds), advancing Sydney to the Grand Final.
The Kings faced New Zealand in the finals. Despite 19 points, 9 rebounds, and 9 assists from McDowell-White, and Barry Brown Jr’s 19 points, the Breakers claimed game one (95-87) at Qudos Bank Arena. Simon led Sydney with 18 points and six steals, though Walton Jr left injured.
Game two saw Walton Jr play limited minutes (4:50) and Cooks (9:05), but Simon’s 12 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 steals, alongside Noi’s 20 points off the bench, helped Sydney level the series with an 81-77 win. Brown Jr led New Zealand with 21 points.
Back in Sydney, the Kings’ 91-68 victory in game three set an NBL attendance record with 18,049 fans. Walton Jr returned to score 12 points, 9 assists, and 6 rebounds, while Cooks, fresh off signing with the NBA’s Washington Wizards, added 10 points and 8 rebounds. McDowell-White led New Zealand with 11 points.
Game four saw the Breakers respond with an 80-70 victory in Auckland. Brantley (23 points), McDowell-White (19 points), and Brown Jr (20 points) shone for New Zealand, while Walton Jr (18 points) and Glover (12 points) led Sydney.
In front of another record-breaking crowd of 18,124, Sydney clinched back-to-back titles with a game five win (77-69). Walton Jr’s 21 points and 6 assists earned him Championship Series MVP honours, while Cooks’ 19 points and 11 rebounds anchored the Kings.
It was the last game of the season, and it delivered all sorts of drama.
Re-live the best bits thanks to @HungryJacksAU ⤵ pic.twitter.com/KxOiNZnVDW— NBL (@NBL) March 15, 2023
HE'S BACK 👑
Xavier Cooks is returning to Sydney for NBL25 and beyond 🤯 pic.twitter.com/iyBnLpCrfs— NBL (@NBL) May 27, 2024
2024/25
After spending time with both the Washington Wizards in the NBA and the Chiba Jets in Japan, Cooks signed a multi-year deal, the largest deal in NBL history, to play for the Kings on a multi-year deal.
“It’s a surreal full-circle moment for me coming back to Sydney, as Brian Goorjian was the coach who brought my dad [Eric] out to Australia as an import all those years ago,” said Cooks after signing the deal.
“I’m excited with the defence-first mentality of the roster we have assembled, with players like Bul Kuol and Izayah Le’afa prioritising that end of the floor, while the younger guys love to get to push the pace – a style that suits me.”
Xavier Cooks currently plays for the Sydney Kings and has played 141 games in his NBL career. He has averaged 13.5 points, 8.3 rebounds, and 3.1 assists since entering the league in 2019.
CURRENT CONTRACT:
Sydney Kings – 3 Year Deal (2024-27)
HIGHLIGHTS:
NBL TOTAL STATISTICS
| SEASON | AGE | TEAM | TEAM RECORD | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | 30 | Sydney | 15-9 (3) | 22 | 206.5 | 296 | 153 | 67 | 93 | 60 | 14 | 27 | 38 | 56 | 126 | 200 | 63% | 1 | 4 | 25% | 43 | 96 | 45% | 60% | 63% | 27 |
| 2024-25 | 29 | Sydney | 16-13 (5) | 28 | 643.3 | 426 | 244 | 108 | 155 | 89 | 26 | 36 | 57 | 74 | 157 | 278 | 56% | 6 | 22 | 27% | 106 | 173 | 61% | 59% | 58% | 25 |
| 2022-23 | 27 | Sydney | 19-9 (1) | 33 | 870.0 | 496 | 253 | 120 | 66 | 187 | 17 | 19 | 85 | 70 | 193 | 337 | 57% | 9 | 28 | 32% | 101 | 184 | 55% | 58% | 59% | 27 |
| 2021-22 | 26 | Sydney | 19-9 (3) | 31 | 872.1 | 482 | 312 | 91 | 88 | 224 | 14 | 67 | 77 | 64 | 192 | 341 | 56% | 13 | 43 | 30% | 85 | 132 | 64% | 60% | 58% | 25 |
| 2020-21 | 25 | Sydney | 19-17 (5) | 8 | 166.6 | 82 | 41 | 20 | 18 | 23 | 5 | 8 | 12 | 14 | 31 | 58 | 53% | 5 | 10 | 50% | 15 | 24 | 63% | 59% | 58% | 19 |
| 2019-20 | 24 | Sydney | 20-8 (1) | 19 | 462.9 | 128 | 172 | 34 | 48 | 124 | 9 | 24 | 24 | 34 | 54 | 123 | 44% | 4 | 32 | 13% | 16 | 34 | 47% | 46% | 46% | 14 | Totals | 141 | 3221 | 1910 | 1175 | 440 | 468 | 707 | 85 | 181 | 293 | 312 | 753 | 1337 | 56.3% | 38 | 139 | 27.3% | 366 | 643 | 56.9% | 59% | 58% | 27 |
NBL PER GAME STATISTICS
| SEASON | AGE | TEAM | TEAM RECORD | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% | HS |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2025-26 | 30 | Sydney | 15-9 (3) | 22 | 9.4 | 13.5 | 7.0 | 3.0 | 4.2 | 2.7 | 0.6 | 1.2 | 1.7 | 2.5 | 5.7 | 9.1 | 63% | 0.0 | 0.2 | 25% | 2.0 | 4.4 | 45% | 60% | 63% | 27 |
| 2024-25 | 29 | Sydney | 16-13 (5) | 28 | 23.0 | 15.2 | 8.7 | 3.9 | 5.5 | 3.2 | 0.9 | 1.3 | 2.0 | 2.6 | 5.6 | 9.9 | 56% | 0.2 | 0.8 | 27% | 3.8 | 6.2 | 61% | 59% | 58% | 25 |
| 2022-23 | 27 | Sydney | 19-9 (1) | 33 | 26.4 | 15.0 | 7.7 | 3.6 | 2.0 | 5.7 | 0.5 | 0.6 | 2.6 | 2.1 | 5.8 | 10.2 | 57% | 0.3 | 0.8 | 32% | 3.1 | 5.6 | 55% | 58% | 59% | 27 |
| 2021-22 | 26 | Sydney | 19-9 (3) | 31 | 28.1 | 15.5 | 10.1 | 2.9 | 2.8 | 7.2 | 0.5 | 2.2 | 2.5 | 2.1 | 6.2 | 11.0 | 56% | 0.4 | 1.4 | 30% | 2.7 | 4.3 | 64% | 60% | 58% | 25 |
| 2020-21 | 25 | Sydney | 19-17 (5) | 8 | 20.8 | 10.3 | 5.1 | 2.5 | 2.3 | 2.9 | 0.6 | 1.0 | 1.5 | 1.8 | 3.9 | 7.3 | 53% | 0.6 | 1.3 | 50% | 1.9 | 3.0 | 63% | 59% | 58% | 19 |
| 2019-20 | 24 | Sydney | 20-8 (1) | 19 | 24.4 | 6.7 | 9.1 | 1.8 | 2.5 | 6.5 | 0.5 | 1.3 | 1.3 | 1.8 | 2.8 | 6.5 | 44% | 0.2 | 1.7 | 13% | 0.8 | 1.8 | 47% | 46% | 46% | 14 | Total | 141 | 22.8 | 13.5 | 8.3 | 3.1 | 3.3 | 5.0 | 0.6 | 1.3 | 2.1 | 2.2 | 5.3 | 9.5 | 56.3% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 27.3% | 0.3 | 1.0 | 56.9% | 59% | 58% | 27 |
CAREER HIGHS
| POINTS | REBOUNDS | ASSISTS | STEALS | BLOCKS | TURNOVERS | TRIPLE DOUBLES | 27 | 15 | 10 | 4 | 6 | 8 | 0 |
|---|
FIBA EXPERIENCE
In 2017, Cooks was named to the Australian "Emerging Boomers" squad for the 2017 Summer Universiade.
In early August 2019, Cooks made the final cut for Australias 2019 FIBA World Cup roster. However, one week later he was forced to withdraw from the competition due to a knee injury sustained during practice.
Cooks was named to the Australian squad for the FIBA Q5 World Qualifiers in November 2022 but sustained an injury the week prior and was forced to withdraw.
In 2023, Cooks earned selection to Australias FIBA World Cup squad. The team went on to finish in tenth place, with a record of 3-2.
The following year, he was selected as a part of the 22-player Boomers squad that prepared for the 2024 Olympics. In what was arguably the most competitive Boomers camp is program history, Cooks was one of the final players to be cut and missed out on the Paris Olympics.
In 2025, Xavier Cooks was selected to the Australian Boomers for the 2025 FIBA Asia Cup, where the team won the gold medal.
FIBA TOTAL STATISTICS
| YEAR | AGE | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 28 | 5 | 86 | 45 | 28 | 4 | 14 | 14 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 9 | 20 | 30 | 66.7% | 0 | 0 | 0.0% | 5 | 9 | 55.6% | Total | 5 | 86 | 45 | 28 | 4 | 14 | 14 | 4 | 6 | 1 | 9 | 20 | 30 | 67% | 0 | 0 | 0% | 5 | 9 | 56% |
FIBA PER GAME STATISTICS
| YEAR | AGE | GP | MINS | PTS | REB | AST | OR | DR | STL | BLK | TO | PF | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% | FTM | FTA | FT% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2023 | 28 | 5 | 17.2 | 9.0 | 5.6 | 0.8 | 2.8 | 2.8 | 0.8 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 1.8 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 66.7% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0.0% | 1.0 | 1.8 | 55.6% | Total | 5 | 17.2 | 9.0 | 5.6 | 0.8 | 2.8 | 2.8 | 0.8 | 1.2 | 0.2 | 1.8 | 4.0 | 6.0 | 67% | 0.0 | 0.0 | 0% | 1.0 | 1.8 | 56% |
NBA EXPERIENCE
Cooks joined the Phoenix Suns for the 2019 NBA Summer League.
Cooks played 10 games in the NBA. He averaged 3.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 0.6 assists per game over his NBA career.
| Season | Team | PTS | AST | STL | BLK | FGM | FGA | FG% | 3PM | 3PA | 3P% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 2 | 78% | 89% | 63% | 96% | ||||||
| 2 | 0 | 27 | 10 | 4 | 6 | ||||||
| Total | 753 | 1337 | 56.3% | 38 | 139 | 27.3% |
NBA TOTAL STATISTICS
| YEAR | AGE | TEAM | POS | GP | GS | MINS | PTS | TRB | AST | ORB | DRB | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | 27 | Washington | PF | 10 | 1 | 126 | 38 | 38 | 6 | 16 | 22 | 6 | 4 | 8 | 13 | 17 | 28 | 61% | 0 | 1 | 0% | 4 | 10 | 40% | 59% | 61% | Total | 10 | 1 | 126 | 38 | 38 | 6 | 16 | 22 | 6 | 4 | 8 | 13 | 17 | 28 | 61% | 0 | 1 | 0% | 4 | 10 | 40% |
NBA PER GAME STATISTICS
| YEAR | AGE | TEAM | POS | GP | GS | MINS | PTS | TRB | AST | ORB | DRB | STL | BLK | TOV | PF | FG | FGA | FG% | 3P | 3PA | 3P% | FT | FTA | FT% | TS% | EFG% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2022-23 | 27 | Washington | PF | 10 | 1 | 12.6 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 0.6 | 1.6 | 2.2 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 1.3 | 1.7 | 2.8 | 61% | 0.0 | 0.1 | 0% | 0.4 | 1.0 | 40% | 59% | 61% | Total | 10 | 1 | 12.6 | 3.8 | 3.8 | 0.6 | 1.6 | 2.2 | 0.6 | 0.4 | 0.8 | 1.3 | 1.7 | 2.8 | 61% | 0.1 | 0% | 0.4 | 1.0 | 40% |
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE
- Germany - S.Oliver Würzburg (2018–2019) | New Zealand - Wellington (2022) | Japan - Chiba (2024)
Cooks played his first professional season in Germany with S.Oliver Würzburg.
In July 2019, Cooks signed with SIG Strasbourg of the French LNB Pro A league. On 7 August Cooks was injured at training and was later released from SIG Strasbourg.
In 2022, Xavier Cooks played in New Zealand for the Wellington Saints and averaged 22.1 points, 12.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists across 14 games.
After being released from his NBA deal with Washington, Cooks joined the Chiba Jets in the Japanese B.League for the remainder of the 2023/24 season. With the Jets vying for the EASL championship, Cooks delivered a monster game to propel them into the championship game. In the semifinal he recorded 24 points, 23 rebounds, 8 blocks and 2 steals. Together with former NBL imports John Mooney and Chris Smith, the Jets won the EASL championship the following game Cooks contributing 6 points, 7 rebounds, 2 asists and 1 block.
COLLEGE
Xavier Cooks played at Winthrop from 2014 to 2018 after choosing the Eagles over offers from UC Santa Barbara, Boise State, Hartford, Maine, and Nicholls State, arriving from the Australian Institute of Sport Centre of Excellence as a 6-foot-8 guard/forward from Wollongong.
Cooks made an immediate impact as a freshman in 2014–15, earning Big South All-Freshman Team honours as he began building what became one of the most decorated careers in program history.
In his sophomore season in 2015–16, Cooks progressed into an all-conference level performer and was named to the All-Big South Second Team as his role expanded at both ends of the floor.
As a junior in 2016–17, Cooks was named First-team All-Big South and added Big South All-Tournament Team recognition as Winthrop won the Big South Tournament, with his season also including a league-leading 300 rebounds across the year.
On February 15, 2017, Cooks produced a signature performance at Longwood with 21 points and a career-high 20 rebounds, recording Winthrop’s first 20-point, 20-rebound game since 2003 and further underlining his dominance on the glass that season.
Cooks’ senior year in 2017–18 became his most decorated campaign, as he was again named First-team All-Big South and was voted Big South Player of the Year while ranking among the league’s most complete all-around players at 17.6 points (3rd), 8.9 rebounds (1st), 3.7 assists (2nd), 2.1 blocks (1st), and 51.0 percent shooting (3rd), with eight 20-point games and eight double-doubles across the season.
During that 2017–18 season he recorded the conference’s only triple-double, finishing with 11 points, 15 rebounds, and 11 assists against Reinhardt on December 2, and he also produced the Big South’s first 30-point, 15-rebound game since 2014 when he erupted for a career-high 36 points and 16 rebounds in a win at Gardner-Webb on February 15.
Across his Winthrop career, Cooks became the program’s all-time leading rebounder with 983 boards, finished third in school history with 1,778 points, and set the school record for blocked shots with 221 while also ranking sixth all-time in Big South history for blocks, with his résumé including NABC All-District honours, two Lou Henson Watch List selections, and participation in the NABC Annual All-Star Game in his senior year.
Two years after graduating, Cooks’ Winthrop impact was further recognised in 2020 when he was voted into the Big South Men’s Basketball All-Decade Team for 2010–19, with the conference noting him as an All-American, Player of the Year, and three-time all-conference selection during that decade window.
AWARDS
- 1x All-NBL First Team
- 2x All-NBL Second Team- NZNBL MVP (2022)
- NZNBL All-Star Five (2022)
- Big South Player of the Year (2018)
-
2× First-team All-Big South (2017, 2018)
Related
HAVE MORE INFORMATION ON THIS PLAYER?
Whilst we try to source as much information as we can for every player who has ever played in the NBL some information on a player profile may be missing. If you have additional information on a player you'd like us to add to a profile, please send it to us using the enquiry form below.
Submissions are then sent to info@aussiehoopla.com