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.

After finishing third with an 18-10 record before being swept by Melbourne in the semifinals, Sydney replaced Andrew Gaze with Australian Boomers assistant Will Weaver. Melbourne declined the optional third year of Craig Moller’s contract, allowing Moller (via Melbourne) to return to Sydney on a two-year deal, while Kevin Lisch was re-signed to a multi-year contract. Jerome Randle (to Adelaide) and David Wear (not re-signed) departed and were replaced by Casper Ware (via Melbourne) and Jae’Sean Tate (via Antwerp), while Shaun Bruce (via Adelaide), Lucas Walker (via Cairns) and Next Star Didi Louzada were also added.

Before the NBL season, Cooks had signed with French club SIG Strasbourg but suffered a meniscus tear while preparing with the Australian Boomers ahead of the 2019 FIBA World Cup, ruling him out of the tournament and preventing him from playing for Strasbourg. Cooks spent several weeks recovering in Wollongong with Illawarra hoping to sign him, where his father Eric was an assistant coach, but after being released by Strasbourg he instead chose Sydney. The Kings signed Cooks (via Strasbourg) on November 27 to a two-year deal which included an NBA out clause, with Sydney sitting 10-1 at the time, while Kuany Kuany (released) was waived to open the roster spot. “I’m just hoping to be able to come in and fill in the small pieces. I hustle for the ball, I rebound well, I push the ball in transition, but I think my main strength is my versatility so whatever this team needs me to do I’m going to do it,” he said.

Sydney did not rush Cooks back from the knee injury and his NBL debut came against Melbourne at Melbourne Arena on December 14, where Cooks (2 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block) played 15 minutes off the bench as the Kings defeated United 104-81. Ware (28 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Louzada (14 points and 4 rebounds) led Sydney, while Melo Trimble (19 points and 5 assists) was Melbourne’s leading scorer. The 23-point victory was Sydney’s biggest in Melbourne for more than 17 years and its first road win against United in eight games.

Cooks (6.7 points, 9 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks across 20 games) played every Sydney game from his debut through to the end of the season. After coming off the bench in his first three appearances, he moved into Weaver’s starting lineup against Perth on December 28 and started each of Sydney’s remaining 11 regular-season games.

His highest-scoring game of the regular season came against New Zealand on January 17, where Cooks (12 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks) recorded his first NBL double-double, but the Breakers defeated Sydney 88-81. Tate (22 points) and Ware (17 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists) led the Kings, while Scotty Hopson (30 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 block) was New Zealand’s best.

Cooks’ best game of the season came against South East Melbourne on February 9, where Cooks (8 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks) helped an undermanned Sydney defeat the Phoenix 99-96 in overtime despite Bogut, Louzada and Moller being unavailable. Ware (24 points and 2 steals) and Tate (17 points and 9 rebounds) led the Kings in scoring, while John Roberson (19 points and 6 assists) led South East Melbourne. The victory was Sydney’s 19th of the season, its most since returning to the NBL in 2010, and left the Kings one win away from securing the minor premiership.

Sydney had already been without Lisch (8.7 points across 13 games) for much of the season after he fractured his left ankle in Round 2, leading to Deshon Taylor (via Adelaide) being signed as an injury replacement. Lisch initially returned in December before recurring ankle soreness forced him back out until February, while Taylor (6.6 points across 22 games) remained part of the rotation. Moller (6.1 points and 3.5 rebounds across 17 games) played the opening 11 games before a right ankle injury kept him out for 16 consecutive games.

Sydney closed the regular season against Illawarra at Qudos Bank Arena on February 14, where Cooks (6 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) helped the Kings defeat the Hawks 98-82. Ware (19 points and 3 assists) and Tate (19 points and 5 rebounds) led Sydney, while Sunday Dech (26 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) was Illawarra’s best. The victory completed a 20-8 regular season and secured the minor premiership, with Sydney becoming the first team in NBL history to remain on top of the ladder throughout the entire regular season.

Cooks’ rebounding became an important part of Sydney’s league-leading defence, with the forward finishing first in the NBL in defensive rebounds per game and third in both total rebounding and blocked shots during the regular season. Ware (17.9 points and 3.7 assists across 34 games) led Sydney in scoring, while Tate (16.8 points and 5.7 rebounds across 34 games) was named to the All-NBL First Team and won the Kings’ club MVP. Newley (11.5 points and 4.4 rebounds across 34 games), Louzada (9.8 points and 3.5 rebounds across 26 games), Bogut (8.5 points and 8.8 rebounds across 31 games), Kickert (7.9 points across 34 games) and Bruce (7.1 points across 34 games) rounded out one of the league’s deepest rotations, with Ware and Bogut selected to the All-NBL Second Team.

Sydney opened its semifinal series against Melbourne at Qudos Bank Arena on February 29, where Cooks (13 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 assists) helped the Kings recover from a 16-point deficit with less than seven minutes remaining to win 86-80. Tate (23 points and 5 rebounds) and Newley (17 points and 5 rebounds) helped Sydney finish the game on a 24-2 run, while Trimble (34 points and 5 assists) and Shawn Long (23 points and 11 rebounds) led Melbourne.

Game two moved to Melbourne Arena, where Cooks (6 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 block) and Sydney were overwhelmed as United won 125-80 and forced a deciding game three. Tate (18 points and 6 rebounds) and Louzada (10 points and 3 steals) led Sydney, while Long (26 points and 11 rebounds), Trimble (21 points) and Stanton Kidd (18 points and 4 rebounds) powered Melbourne to the 45-point victory.

For game three, Cooks suggested Newley replace him in the starting lineup and responded with 14 points, 9 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block off the bench as Sydney defeated Melbourne 89-87 and advanced to its first Grand Final since 2008. “I just felt like it was better for the team. I feel like I could bring energy off the bench, contribute off the bench,” Cooks said. Tate (20 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Ware (15 points and 4 rebounds) provided further support, while Chris Goulding (19 points) and Mitch McCarron (18 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks) led Melbourne.

The Grand Final opened against defending champion Perth at Qudos Bank Arena on March 8, where Cooks (5 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block) provided another strong rebounding performance off the bench but the Wildcats escaped with an 88-86 victory. Bogut (18 points and 11 rebounds) and Lisch (17 points) led Sydney, while Bryce Cotton (32 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Nick Kay (14 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks) led Perth.

With the remainder of the series closed to the general public because of the growing COVID-19 outbreak, game two moved to RAC Arena on March 13, where Cooks (5 points, 11 rebounds, and 2 assists), Tate (20 points), Bogut (19 points and 14 rebounds) and Lisch (19 points) helped Sydney respond with a 97-83 victory and level the series 1-1. Cotton (27 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Kay (17 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal, and 1 block) led Perth.

Game three returned to Qudos Bank Arena on March 15, where Cooks (6 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks) and Sydney fell 111-96 as Perth moved ahead 2-1 in the series. Tate (20 points and 6 rebounds), Newley (19 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 steal) and Lisch (16 points) led Sydney, while Cotton (31 points, 7 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Kay (30 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal) combined for 61 points for Perth.

Prior to game four, Sydney withdrew from the series amid the rapidly changing COVID-19 situation, with concerns surrounding player welfare, travel restrictions and international players being able to return home. The remaining games were cancelled and Perth was subsequently awarded the championship with its 2-1 series lead, while Cotton was named Grand Final MVP after averaging 30 points, 6 rebounds, and 4.7 assists across the three games.

2020/21
After finishing runners-up to Perth in the COVID-shortened 2020 Grand Final, Sydney faced significant roster turnover with Jae’Sean Tate (to Houston) and head coach Will Weaver (to Houston) joining the Rockets, while Kevin Lisch (retired), Andrew Bogut (retired) and Lucas Walker (retired) also departed. Kings assistant Adam Forde was promoted to head coach and added Jarell Martin (via China), Angus Glover (via Illawarra) and rookie Dejan Vasiljevic (via Miami University). Cooks entered the second season of the two-year deal he had signed with Sydney in November 2019, but suffered a right foot injury during a preseason game against Illawarra that was expected to sideline him for three to four months, with Tom Vodanovich (via New Zealand) signed as his nominated injury replacement.

With their starting forward sidelined, Sydney lost three of its first four games and fell to seventh place before going 4-4 during the NBL Cup and using consecutive home wins to move into the top four by Round 12. Glover (3.5 points across 2 games) suffered a partial ACL sprain in his right knee during Round 2 and did not play again, while Vasiljevic (15.4 points and 3.6 rebounds across 21 games) ruptured his Achilles in April and was ruled out for the remainder of the season. Louzada (8.8 points and 3.4 rebounds across 20 games) left Sydney (to New Orleans) to join the Pelicans, while Vodanovich (5 points across 36 games) shifted into Vasiljevic’s nominated injury replacement role and Jarrad Weeks (via New Zealand) was signed as an injury replacement for Glover.

Cooks (10.3 points and 5.1 rebounds across 8 games) was moved onto Sydney’s active player list on April 24 to preserve his Finals eligibility while continuing his rehabilitation, but was not ready to take the court and ultimately missed the Kings’ first 28 games before returning on May 13. He appeared in each of Sydney’s final eight games and moved into the starting lineup in his second appearance, giving Forde another mobile defender capable of extending Sydney’s pressure and switching across multiple positions. “It was a tough season spending most of it on the sidelines,” Cooks later said.

Cooks (6 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) made his season debut off the bench against Brisbane at Nissan Arena on May 13, playing 11 minutes after almost five months out as Sydney fell to the Bullets 93-70. Hunter (15 points, 11 rebounds, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) and Martin (13 points and 7 rebounds) led Sydney, while Anthony Drmic (28 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal) produced a career-high for Brisbane.

Three days later, Cooks (6 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 blocks) returned to Sydney’s starting lineup against Adelaide at Qudos Bank Arena and helped the Kings defeat the 36ers 85-75, with Martin (20 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Hunter (15 points, 3 rebounds, and 1 block) leading Sydney, while Daniel Johnson (23 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block) was Adelaide’s best. The victory returned Sydney to a 15-15 record and Forde used Cooks at the front of an extended defensive press that helped turn the game after half-time.

Cooks (19 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block) delivered his best scoring game against Illawarra at WIN Entertainment Centre on June 3, making six of 10 shots and three of four three-pointers as Sydney defeated the Hawks 79-73 and kept its playoff hopes alive. Martin (23 points, 12 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals) and Hunter (15 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) provided the main support, while Sam Froling (12 points, 7 rebounds, 1 steal, and 4 blocks) was among Illawarra’s best. Cooks hit a corner three during Sydney’s decisive fourth-quarter run as the Kings moved level with South East Melbourne on 18 wins with one game remaining.

Martin (17.9 points and 7 rebounds across 28 games) narrowly led Sydney in scoring ahead of Ware (17.7 points, 3.2 rebounds, and 4.4 assists across 36 games), while Hunter (9 points and 6.3 rebounds across 36 games), Bruce (6.6 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 3.6 assists across 35 games) and Moller (6.4 points and 5.7 rebounds across 36 games) were other key contributors. Ware earned All-NBL Second Team honours and won both the Kings’ Most Valuable Player and Defensive Player of the Year awards, Martin was named Members’ Player of the Year, Moller received the Coaches’ Award and Bruce and Hunter shared Players’ Player honours, while Hunter finished runner-up to Sam Froling for Most Improved Player and Vasiljevic finished runner-up to Josh Giddey for Rookie of the Year. Sydney’s perimeter shooting remained one of its biggest problems at 33.4 percent from three, while an 8-10 road record and five losses across seven games pushed the Kings outside the top four before their late-season recovery.

Sydney closed the regular season against Brisbane at Qudos Bank Arena on June 5, where Cooks (9 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) helped the Kings defeat the Bullets 83-82 behind Martin (28 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals) and Ware (14 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists), while Nathan Sobey (22 points, 8 rebounds, and 8 assists) led Brisbane. The victory completed Sydney’s three-game winning streak, but South East Melbourne retained fourth place and the Kings finished fifth with a 19-17 record.

2021/22
After finishing fifth with a 19-17 record and missing the playoffs, Sydney replaced Adam Forde (to Cairns) with first-year NBL head coach Chase Buford. Casper Ware (to Russia), Brad Newley (to Melbourne), Craig Moller (to Germany), Jarrad Weeks (to Tasmania), Didi Louzada (to New Orleans) and Daniel Kickert (retired) departed, while Xavier Cooks, Jarell Martin, Dejan Vasiljevic, Jordan Hunter, Shaun Bruce, Angus Glover and Tom Vodanovich returned. Jaylen Adams (via Milwaukee), RJ Hunter (via Galatasaray), Biwali Bayles (via Hawaii), Makur Maker (via Howard), Matur Maker (via G-League) and Wani Swaka Lo Buluk (via Perth) were added.

After a foot injury had limited him to eight games the previous season, Cooks re-signed with Sydney on a new one-year deal. “I’ve loved my time here at the Kings, so I’m excited to continue building on what we started,” said Cooks.

Sydney opened the season against defending champion Melbourne at Qudos Bank Arena on December 5, where Cooks (10 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks) helped the Kings win 79-74. Adams (15 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) and Martin (12 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) provided support, while Jo Lual-Acuil (12 points, 7 rebounds, and 1 block) led Melbourne.

Cooks (15.5 points, 10.1 rebounds, and 2.2 blocks across 31 games) served as co-captain and produced a breakout season, giving Sydney scoring and rebounding inside while also becoming one of the league’s best defensive players.

Early-season injuries to Adams (20.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 5.8 assists, and 1.2 steals across 24 games), who missed five games after suffering a sprained ankle at training, RJ Hunter (4 points across 3 games), who initially battled knee soreness before rupturing his left patellar tendon, and Jordan Hunter, who missed the entire season following foot surgery, contributed to Sydney’s slow start. The Kings lost four consecutive games during January and later fell to 5-7 before former NBA champion Ian Clark (via Xinjiang) joined as an injury replacement for Jordan Hunter. Clark (13.9 points across 16 games) provided another scorer off the bench as Sydney began its turnaround.

Cooks’ best regular-season scoring game came against Adelaide at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on February 27, where Cooks (25 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks) made 10-of-16 shots as Sydney defeated the 36ers 93-90 and collected its fifth consecutive victory. Adams (26 points, 8 assists, and 3 steals) and Martin (10 points and 3 rebounds) provided support, while Dusty Hannahs (24 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block) led Adelaide. The performance also saw Cooks join his father Eric as the first father-son combination to each produce a 25-point, 10-rebound game in the NBL.

One week later against Cairns at Qudos Bank Arena, Cooks (23 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 blocks) controlled both ends as Sydney defeated the Taipans 98-88 for its sixth consecutive win. Adams (21 points and 4 assists) and Martin (18 points and 10 rebounds) provided the support, while Scott Machado (26 points, 3 rebounds, 8 assists, and 2 steals) led Cairns.

Cooks then suffered an ankle sprain and missed Sydney’s March 13 game against Cairns and March 19 game against South East Melbourne, the only two games he missed all season. He returned off the bench against Perth at RAC Arena on March 26, where Cooks (8 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks) played 14 minutes as Sydney defeated the Wildcats 102-80 for its ninth consecutive victory. Adams (20 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists) and Clark (19 points and 4 rebounds) led Sydney, while Luke Travers (20 points, 8 rebounds, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) was Perth’s best. Cooks played every remaining game of the season.

Cooks produced one of his best defensive games against Cairns on April 21, finishing with 18 points, 12 rebounds, and 6 blocks as Sydney won 87-77 at the Cairns Convention Centre. Clark (21 points and 3 assists) and Vasiljevic (15 points and 4 rebounds) helped the Kings return to the winners’ list, while Tahjere McCall (22 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals) led Cairns.

Cooks appeared in 11 of Sydney’s 13 consecutive victories between February 6 and April 14, with the run lifting the Kings from 5-7 to 18-7 and securing a playoff berth. Martin (15.8 points and 8.4 rebounds across 31 games) remained one of Sydney’s primary inside scorers, while Vasiljevic (12.4 points across 31 games), Maker (7.7 points and 5.3 rebounds across 21 games) and Glover (5.3 points and 3 rebounds across 30 games) provided further depth. Adams was named NBL MVP and selected to the All-NBL First Team, while Cooks was selected to the All-NBL Second Team and finished as a finalist for the Damian Martin Trophy. Cooks led the NBL in rebounds and blocks during the regular season and was also named Sydney’s Defensive Player of the Year and Coaches Award winner while sharing the Members Player of the Year award with Adams.

Sydney closed the regular season against Illawarra at Qudos Bank Arena on April 24, where Cooks (20 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal) led the Kings, with Martin (13 points and 5 rebounds) and Vasiljevic (11 points and 4 rebounds) providing support, but Justinian Jessup (24 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) led the Hawks to an 87-84 win. Sydney finished third with a 19-9 record, while Cooks was later fined $2,000 for a breach of the NBL Code of Conduct during the game.

Sydney opened the semifinals against Brian Goorjian’s Illawarra Hawks at WIN Entertainment Centre, where Cooks (11 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks) anchored the Kings inside as Sydney won 89-79. Adams (30 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Clark (16 points, 1 steal, and 1 block) led the scoring, while Duop Reath (26 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 blocks) and Antonius Cleveland (21 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks) were Illawarra’s best.

Game two moved to Qudos Bank Arena, where Cooks (16 points, 11 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 4 blocks) helped Sydney recover from a 15-point deficit and defeat Illawarra 99-87 to complete the sweep. Adams (29 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Martin (23 points and 9 rebounds) led the Kings offensively, while Tyler Harvey (21 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals) and Reath (20 points and 3 blocks) led Illawarra.

Expansion Tasmania finished fourth with a 17-11 record before upsetting first-placed defending champion Melbourne in three games to reach the Grand Final.

The Grand Final opened at Qudos Bank Arena, where Cooks (14 points, 11 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 steal) filled the stat sheet as Sydney defeated Tasmania 95-78. Adams (18 points and 3 assists) and Clark (17 points and 2 steals) led the Kings in scoring, while Jack McVeigh (14 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 steals) and MiKyle McIntosh (14 points and 4 rebounds) led Tasmania. Adams suffered a low-grade left hamstring strain during the victory and was ruled out for the remainder of the series.

Game two moved to MyState Bank Arena, where Cooks (20 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal), Martin (20 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 block) and Vasiljevic (20 points and 5 rebounds) carried Sydney without Adams, while Josh Adams (36 points) and McVeigh (10 points and 8 rebounds) kept Tasmania close. Vasiljevic hit a long three-pointer with eight seconds remaining to put Sydney four points ahead and secure a 90-86 victory, giving the Kings a 2-0 series lead and extending their road winning streak to 12 games, the most by any team during a single NBL season.

Dejan Vasiljevic with the 𝘿𝘼𝙂𝙂𝙀𝙍 🗡️
–
– 📺 Watch the #NBLFinals Live on ESPN pic.twitter.com/XDIgoHVKo9

— ESPN Australia & NZ (@ESPNAusNZ) May 8, 2022

Cooks’ best game of the season came in game three at Qudos Bank Arena, where Cooks (23 points, 13 rebounds, 7 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) made eight of ten shots as Sydney completed the sweep with a 97-88 victory in front of an NBL Grand Final record crowd of 16,149. Martin (22 points, 17 rebounds, and 1 block) and Clark (22 points, 3 assists, and 1 block) joined Cooks with at least 22 points as Cooks and Martin combined for 45 points and 30 rebounds, while Josh Adams (27 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals), McIntosh (14 points and 8 rebounds) and Josh Magette (12 points, 9 rebounds, 7 assists, and 6 steals) led Tasmania. Sydney won its fourth championship and first in 17 years, completing a perfect 5-0 postseason and collecting its 19th victory from its final 21 games. “We’ve got so much depth and so much character on this team,” said Cooks. At 33, Buford became the fourth-youngest championship-winning coach in NBL history behind Bob Turner, Ken Richardson and Jim Ericksen, two of whom were player-coaches, while Cooks was named Grand Final MVP after averaging 19 points, 11.7 rebounds, and 5.3 assists across the three games.

17 years in the making 💜💛#WeTheKings #NBL22 pic.twitter.com/Wz7uIGjTr6

— Sydney Kings (@SydneyKings) May 14, 2022

2022/23
After winning the 2021/22 championship, Sydney lost its star import trio of Jaylen Adams (to Belgrade), Jarell Martin (to Tel Aviv) and Ian Clark (overseas), while Makur Maker (to Washington) also left the team. With Dejan Vasiljevic and Angus Glover among the local players retained, Derrick Walton Jr was signed to replace Adams, while Tim Soares (via Europe) and former Defensive Player of the Year Justin Simon (via Illawarra) completed the Kings’ new import trio. Kouat Noi (via Cairns) and rookie Jackson Makoi were also added to the roster under championship coach Chase Buford.

The reigning Grand Final MVP also re-signed with Sydney on a three-year deal, which included NBA and European out clauses, giving the Kings the opportunity to build their championship defence around him.

Sydney opened the season at the WIN Entertainment Centre, where Xavier Cooks (24 points and 4 rebounds), Walton Jr (32 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists), Simon (19 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 steals) and Vasiljevic (16 points) led the Kings to a 106-97 win over Illawarra, while Lachlan Dent (19 points), Tyler Harvey (18 points) and George King (14 points and 5 rebounds) led the Hawks.

Cooks (15 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 3.6 assists across 33 games) helped Sydney begin its championship defence with three consecutive wins, highlighted by a 91-71 victory over Melbourne at John Cain Arena. The Kings held United to six points during the second quarter while producing a 25-0 run, with Cooks (23 points and 9 rebounds), Vasiljevic (15 points), Soares (12 points and 10 rebounds) and Simon (12 points and 5 rebounds) leading Sydney, while Jordan Caroline (10 points and 10 rebounds) and Lachlan Barker (10 points) were Melbourne’s leading scorers. The victory was Sydney’s fifteenth consecutive road win, breaking the NBL record previously held by Canberra’s championship teams of the 1980s, while Cooks punctuated the result by throwing down one of the dunks of the season.

Sydney suffered its first loss of the season in the following game, with Cairns winning 83-78 at Qudos Bank Arena. Vasiljevic (20 points), Cooks (15 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) and Walton Jr (14 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 assists) led Sydney, but the Kings made just 14 of their 25 free throws, while Shannon Scott (16 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 4 steals), Keanu Pinder (16 points and 11 rebounds) and DJ Hogg (15 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals) led the Taipans without the injured Tahjere McCall.

After defeating Brisbane, Sydney suffered another home loss against Adelaide, with Craig Randall II (24 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists), Daniel Johnson (17 points and 8 rebounds), Antonius Cleveland (15 points and 7 rebounds) and Mitch McCarron (15 points and 5 rebounds) leading the 36ers to a 92-88 victory. Walton Jr (23 points and 6 assists), Vasiljevic (15 points and 5 rebounds), Simon (12 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 steals), Noi (12 points and 5 rebounds) and Cooks (9 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Sydney, before McCarron’s defensive play helped Adelaide secure the win in the final seconds.

Sydney appeared headed towards a third consecutive home loss against Cairns before Noi (13 points and 4 rebounds) made a three-pointer at the buzzer to give the Kings a 106-103 victory. Cooks (18 points, 12 rebounds, and 8 assists) fell two assists short of a triple-double, while Shaun Bruce (17 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists), Vasiljevic (12 points and 3 assists) and Walton Jr (12 points and 3 assists) helped Sydney improve to 8-2. Hogg (27 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and 3 blocks), Sam Waardenburg (20 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) and Pinder (18 points and 7 rebounds) led Cairns.

The Kings returned to the top of the ladder after defeating New Zealand 81-77 at Spark Arena, extending their road winning streak to 17 games. Simon (13 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 steals), Cooks (13 points and 4 rebounds) and Soares (11 points and 8 rebounds) led Sydney, while Barry Brown Jr (22 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals), Izayah Le’afa (15 points and 4 assists) and Dererk Pardon (11 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks) led New Zealand. Cooks injured his ankle during the second quarter and was ruled out for between two and four weeks, forcing him to miss Sydney’s next game against Illawarra and withdraw from the Australian Boomers’ World Cup qualifying game against Kazakhstan.

He returned three weeks later against Cairns and scored Sydney’s first six points before finishing with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 block, although he fouled out during the fourth quarter. Glover (16 points, 8 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Walton Jr (15 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists) also contributed, but Pinder (30 points and 13 rebounds), Hogg (20 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks) and McCall (18 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists) led Cairns to a 94-88 overtime win, ending Sydney’s NBL-record road winning streak at 17 games.

Cooks aggravated his ankle during the opening quarter of Sydney’s double-overtime game against South East Melbourne and finished with 1 rebound and 1 steal in 7:55. Gary Browne (3 points and 2 assists) and Ryan Broekhoff (3 points, 4 rebounds, and 1 block) also left the game injured for the Phoenix, but Mitch Creek (46 points and 10 rebounds) and Walton Jr (45 points, 4 rebounds, and 10 assists) produced the first 40-point performances of the season. Trey Kell III (21 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) supported Creek, while Noi (12 points and 7 rebounds) and Soares (12 points) helped Walton Jr before South East Melbourne won 113-112.

Following Buford’s suspension, assistant coach Kevin Lisch took charge against Tasmania and guided Sydney to a 97-77 victory at Qudos Bank Arena. The Kings scored 56 points in the paint and shot 69 per cent from the field, with Cooks (23 points, 7 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block), Vasiljevic (13 points and 7 rebounds), Simon (12 points and 6 rebounds) and Walton Jr (11 points and 7 assists) leading Sydney, while Clint Steindl (13 points and 2 steals) and Sean MacDonald (11 points and 2 steals) were Tasmania’s leading scorers.

Sydney produced its biggest victory of the season in Brisbane, defeating the Bullets 116-67 and recording the largest winning margin of the 40-minute era. Cooks (20 points, 5 rebounds, and 8 assists), Soares (20 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks), Walton Jr (18 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 assists), Glover (14 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Simon (11 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals) led Sydney, while Nathan Sobey (14 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Tyler Johnson (13 points and 4 rebounds) led Brisbane.

Cooks recorded the first triple-double of his NBL career during the league’s first Pride Round, finishing with 16 points, 10 rebounds, and 10 assists as Sydney defeated South East Melbourne 111-106 and secured a top-two finish. Walton Jr (22 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists) and Vasiljevic (21 points and 3 assists) supported him, while Creek (29 points, 9 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 assists), Kell III (18 points, 5 rebounds, and 4 assists) and Browne (14 points, 4 rebounds, and 8 assists) led the Phoenix. It was the first NBL triple-double since Josh Giddey in 2021 and the first by a Sydney player since Dontaye Draper in 2008.

With first place and home-court advantage secured, he was rested for Sydney’s 115-108 loss to Adelaide before returning for the final regular-season game against Perth. The Kings lost both games to finish the season with a 19-9 record but remained on top of the ladder, while Cooks was named the NBL’s Most Valuable Player and selected to the All-NBL First Team. He also won Sydney’s club MVP, Members’ Player of the Year and Players’ Player of the Year awards, before later being named the Australian Basketball Players’ Association’s NBL Players’ Player of the Year.

Walton Jr (15.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 6.2 assists across 33 games) joined him in the All-NBL First Team, while Vasiljevic (13.6 points and 4.3 rebounds across 35 games), Simon (10.5 points, 5.1 rebounds, and 1.5 steals across 35 games), Soares (9.4 points and 4.8 rebounds across 35 games) and Noi (8 points and 3.7 rebounds across 34 games) were the team’s other major contributors. Glover (7.1 points and 3 rebounds across 31 games), Jordan Hunter (5.8 points and 3.2 rebounds across 35 games) and Jaylin Galloway (5.1 points across 30 games) provided Sydney with further depth.

After Cairns defeated Perth in the Play-In Tournament, Sydney opened the semifinals at Qudos Bank Arena, where Cooks produced his best game of the season. He finished with 27 points, 14 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block, while Walton Jr (21 points, 4 rebounds, and 5 assists), Soares (14 points and 4 rebounds) and Simon (10 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists) helped Sydney win 95-87. Hogg (24 points), Jonah Antonio (20 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 block) and Scott (13 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists) led Cairns.

Game two moved to the Cairns Convention Centre, where Cooks (5 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block) rolled his left ankle after landing on Hogg’s foot midway through the third quarter and did not return. Walton Jr (22 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) and Simon (19 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 steals) led Sydney, while Hogg (25 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block), McCall (20 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 steals) and Waardenburg (15 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 blocks) led Cairns to a 93-82 win. Buford was ejected during the physical contest, while Soares (5 rebounds) was later charged for striking Waardenburg.

Despite the ankle injury, Cooks returned two days later for the deciding game three and finished with 11 points, 11 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal. Vasiljevic (15 points and 5 rebounds), Noi (11 points and 11 rebounds) and Walton Jr (10 points, 4 rebounds, and 9 assists) helped Sydney defeat Cairns 79-64, while Ben Ayre (20 points and 4 assists) and Waardenburg (17 points and 12 rebounds) led the Taipans before the Kings advanced to the Grand Final.

New Zealand opened the Championship Series by defeating Sydney 95-87 at Qudos Bank Arena. Simon (18 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks), Hunter (15 points and 4 rebounds), Walton Jr (12 points and 6 assists) and Cooks (8 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 blocks) led the Kings, although Walton Jr left the game with a leg injury. William McDowell-White (19 points, 9 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals), Brown Jr (19 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals) and Jarrell Brantley (16 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals) led New Zealand.

Game two moved to Spark Arena, where Walton Jr (2 rebounds in 4:50) and Cooks (2 points and 4 rebounds in 9:05) were unable to return after suffering further leg problems. Noi (20 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 steals), Vasiljevic (16 points and 4 rebounds), Simon (12 points, 9 rebounds, and 6 steals) and Glover (12 points) led the undermanned Kings to an 81-74 victory, while Brown Jr (21 points and 3 rebounds), Brantley (20 points and 6 rebounds) and Le’afa (14 points, 3 rebounds, and 3 assists) led New Zealand.

Between games two and three, it was announced Cooks had agreed to join the NBA’s Washington Wizards at the conclusion of the Championship Series. Back in Sydney, Vasiljevic (15 points and 4 rebounds), Soares (14 points, 6 rebounds, and 3 blocks), Simon (13 points and 6 assists), Walton Jr (12 points, 6 rebounds, and 9 assists) and Cooks (10 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 block) led the Kings to a 91-68 victory in front of an NBL-record crowd of 18,049. McDowell-White (11 points and 6 rebounds), Brantley (10 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 steals), Brown Jr (10 points and 3 assists) and Rayan Rupert (10 points and 3 rebounds) led New Zealand as Sydney moved ahead 2-1.

New Zealand forced a deciding game by defeating Sydney 80-70 at Spark Arena. Walton Jr (18 points, 3 rebounds, and 4 assists), Glover (12 points and 2 steals) and Cooks (10 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block) led the Kings, while Brantley (23 points, 5 rebounds, and 1 block), Brown Jr (20 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists) and McDowell-White (19 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists) combined for 62 points for the Breakers.

The Championship Series returned to Sydney for game five, where New Zealand led by 12 points during the first half before the Kings took control with a 14-0 run late in the fourth quarter. Cooks (19 points and 11 rebounds), Walton Jr (21 points, 3 rebounds, and 6 assists), Glover (12 points and 9 rebounds) and Noi (11 points) led Sydney to a 77-69 victory in front of another NBL-record crowd of 18,124, completing back-to-back championships and delivering the club’s fifth title. Walton Jr was named Championship Series MVP, while Brown Jr (22 points and 4 rebounds), Brantley (16 points and 4 rebounds) and McDowell-White (12 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 assists) led New Zealand.

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

2024/25
After finishing fifth and losing the NBL24 Play-In Qualifier to New Zealand, Sydney entered the new season without Jordan Hunter and Angus Glover (both to South East Melbourne), Jonah Bolden (to New Zealand), Denzel Valentine (to Italy), and DJ Hogg (to Japan). Brian Goorjian replaced Mahmoud Abdelfattah as head coach and added Xavier Cooks (via Japan), Bul Kuol (via Cairns), Izayah Le’Afa (via New Zealand), Cameron Oliver (via Hong Kong), Keli Leaupepe (via NCAA), and Tyler Robertson (via NCAA), while Jaylen Adams returned as the team’s lead guard.

After spending time with both the Washington Wizards in the NBA and the Chiba Jets in Japan, Cooks signed a three-year contract to return to Sydney, agreeing to what was reported as the largest player deal in NBL history.

“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.”

HE'S BACK 👑

Xavier Cooks is returning to Sydney for NBL25 and beyond 🤯 pic.twitter.com/iyBnLpCrfs— NBL (@NBL) May 27, 2024

Sydney opened the season against Adelaide at RAC Arena on September 22, where Cooks (19 points, 13 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block) returned to the starting lineup and helped the Kings win 102-94. Adams (25 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, 2 steals, and 1 block) and Oliver (19 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 assists) provided support, while Vasiljevic (23 points) led Adelaide.

Cooks (15.4 points, 8.7 rebounds, 3.9 assists, and 1.3 blocks across 28 games) was appointed co-captain and again filled several roles across the frontcourt, leading Sydney in rebounding and blocks while earning All-NBL Second Team honours.

His best scoring game came in Brisbane on October 5, where Cooks (23 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) made nine of 13 shots as Sydney defeated the Bullets 91-82. Leaupepe (22 points and 3 rebounds) and Toohey (11 points and 2 rebounds) supported Cooks, while Prather (17 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 steals) was Brisbane’s leading scorer.

Cooks celebrated his 100th NBL appearance against Tasmania at the Silverdome on October 18, finishing with 15 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 blocks as Sydney won 80-71. Noi (14 points) and Toohey (12 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 steals) helped the Kings collect their fifth win from six games, while Crawford (25 points) led Tasmania.

His best all-around performance came against Perth on October 25, where Cooks (22 points, 11 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals, and 3 blocks) made nine of 13 shots, but the Wildcats held on for an 87-84 victory. Oliver (17 points, 9 rebounds, and 3 blocks) and Noi (15 points) provided support, while Pinder (34 points, 4 rebounds, and 4 steals) led Perth.

Adams (17.8 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1.6 steals) led Sydney in scoring and playmaking, while Noi (14.3 points) won the NBL Best Sixth Man Award and the Kings’ club MVP. Oliver (12 points and 7 rebounds) provided interior support, while Toohey (10.6 points, 4 rebounds, and 1.4 steals) earned the Next Generation Award. Sydney finished fifth with a 16-13 record despite losing five of its final seven regular-season games.

Cooks’ final appearance came against Perth on February 2, where he finished with 8 points, 12 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals as the Wildcats defeated Sydney 104-97. Noi (24 points) and Toohey (23 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 blocks) led the Kings, while Cotton (30 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 steals) was Perth’s best.

Cooks missed Sydney’s regular-season finale against Illawarra on personal leave before Basketball Australia announced he had received a mandatory provisional suspension following an adverse analytical finding. The result was later reported as a positive test for cocaine, with Sport Integrity Australia determining the substance use occurred outside competition and was unrelated to sporting performance. Cooks received a one-month period of ineligibility from February 7 until March 7 and later apologised, stating, “I made one of the biggest mistakes of my life.”

Without Cooks, Sydney hosted Adelaide in the Play-In Qualifier at Qudos Bank Arena, where Adams (30 points and 10 assists) and Oliver (19 points, 12 rebounds, and 3 blocks) led the Kings, while Vasiljevic (25 points), Davis (24 points, 5 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals), and Harrell (18 points, 8 rebounds, 7 assists, and 3 blocks) carried the 36ers to a 95-88 victory. Cooks did not play.

2025/26
After finishing fifth with a 16-13 record and losing its play-in game to Adelaide 95-88, Sydney entered Brian Goorjian’s second season needing to reshape a roster that had fallen short of expectations. Jaylen Adams (to Brisbane), Izayah Le’Afa (to New Zealand), Alex Toohey (to Golden State) and Cameron Oliver exited the team, while Bul Kuol, Kouat Noi, Jaylin Galloway, Makuach Maluach, Shaun Bruce, Tyler Robertson, Keli Leaupepe and Jason Spurgin remained.

Goorjian added Matthew Dellavedova (via Melbourne), Kendric Davis (via Adelaide) and Tim Soares (via Japan), while Hunter Goodrick (via Norths) joined as an injury replacement after Leaupepe and Spurgin suffered long-term knee and foot injuries before the season.

Sydney opened the season at Qudos Bank Arena on September 28, where Cooks (8 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 assist) started in the frontcourt, but Cairns defeated the Kings 77-74. Davis (21 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, and 3 steals) and Soares (12 points, 6 rebounds, and 1 steal) were Sydney’s leading scorers, while Jack McVeigh (24 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block) led Cairns.

Cooks (13.6 points, 6.8 rebounds, and 1.3 blocks across 36 games) remained Sydney’s captain and provided Goorjian with a versatile defender who could switch across several positions, rebound, run the floor and finish around the basket. His mobility allowed the Kings to use smaller lineups without sacrificing their interior defence and he remained one of the central pieces in the club’s championship plans.

Sydney’s 3-5 opening brought pressure on its star-filled roster, with media questioning whether Goorjian could still lead a championship contender and supporters suggesting the 72-year-old coach was too old or past his best. Cooks had also opened below his usual level at 10.6 points and 6.6 rebounds while making only 26.5 percent of his free throws, but he became central to the defensive identity that helped the Kings win 21 of their next 25 games.

Cooks’ first major response came in Brisbane on November 1, where he finished with 24 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 1 block in only 24 minutes as Sydney defeated the Bullets 116-79. Davis (19 points, 5 rebounds, and 7 assists) and Soares (19 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks) helped the Kings record a 37-point win, while Casey Prather (24 points, 6 rebounds, 1 assist, and 2 steals) led Brisbane.

Eight days later, Cooks (21 points, 14 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 steal) controlled the paint as Sydney recovered from a 13-point deficit to defeat New Zealand 79-72 at Qudos Bank Arena. Davis (21 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists) and Noi (12 points, 2 rebounds, and 2 steals) provided support, while Parker Jackson-Cartwright (23 points, 3 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 steal) was the Breakers’ best.

His best scoring game came against Adelaide at AIS Arena on December 17, where Cooks (27 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 blocks) made 12 of his 19 field-goal attempts as Sydney recovered from an 18-point deficit to win 97-93 in overtime. Davis (27 points, 6 rebounds, 7 assists, and 2 steals) and Dellavedova (12 points, 4 rebounds, 7 assists, and 1 steal) helped complete the comeback, while Bryce Cotton (25 points, 6 rebounds, 9 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) led Adelaide.

Cooks suffered an ankle injury early in January and missed four games before returning late in the month. Kuol (6.7 points and 4.2 rebounds across 20 games) had already suffered a season-ending ACL injury, leading Sydney to sign Torrey Craig (via Boston) as his replacement, with Craig (12.3 points and 6.3 rebounds across 15 games) adding NBA experience, rebounding and defensive versatility to the starting group.

Davis (25.1 points, 3.7 rebounds, and 7.1 assists) carried Sydney’s scoring load, while Soares (11.4 points and 5.8 rebounds), Noi (10 points and 3.7 rebounds), Galloway (9.7 points and 3 rebounds), Dellavedova (8.3 points, 3.1 rebounds, and 4.8 assists), Maluach (8.3 points and 3.1 rebounds) and Robertson (6 points) gave the Kings one of the league’s deepest rotations. Davis was named Sydney’s MVP and selected to the All-NBL First Team, while Cooks earned All-NBL Second Team honours. Kuol received the club’s Defensive Player of the Year award, Dellavedova won the Coaches Award, Maluach collected the Members’ Award and Robertson was named Players’ Player, while Goorjian won Coach of the Year for the seventh time.

Sydney closed the regular season in Brisbane on February 20, where Cooks (13 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals) made his 150th NBL appearance as the Kings defeated the Bullets 117-77. Davis (31 points and 8 assists) and Maluach (15 points, 3 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) led Sydney, while Hunter Maldonado (16 points, 4 rebounds, and 6 assists) was Brisbane’s best as the Kings completed an 11-game winning streak and finished first with a 24-9 record.

Sydney opened the semifinals against Perth at Qudos Bank Arena on March 11, where Cooks (10 points, 2 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 2 blocks) scored six points in the fourth quarter and completed a crucial three-point play as the Kings held on for a 105-104 win. Davis (35 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) and Craig (20 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 block) led Sydney, while Kristian Doolittle (31 points, 6 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals) and David Duke Jr (20 points, 6 rebounds, and 8 assists) were best for Perth before Doolittle missed the potential winning shot.

Game two moved to RAC Arena, where Cooks (8 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block), Davis (27 points, 5 rebounds, 5 assists, and 1 steal), Maluach (23 points, 8 rebounds, 1 assist, 2 steals, and 2 blocks) and Craig (12 points, 7 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 1 block) led Sydney to an 89-75 win. Ben Henshall (20 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) and Doolittle (15 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 1 block) led Perth as the Kings completed the sweep and advanced to the Championship Series.

The Championship Series opened at Qudos Bank Arena on March 21, where Cooks (9 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block) helped Sydney dominate Adelaide 112-68. Davis (25 points and 7 assists), Soares (22 points, 8 rebounds, and 3 assists) and Galloway (15 points, 4 rebounds, and 3 assists) led the Kings, while Isaac White (11 points) and Cotton (10 points and 7 assists) were Adelaide’s leading scorers in the largest winning margin in Championship Series history.

Game two moved to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre, where Cooks (18 points, 10 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 steal, and 2 blocks), Davis (20 points, 4 rebounds, 6 assists, and 2 steals) and Craig (17 points, 10 rebounds, and 2 blocks) kept Sydney within reach. Cotton (28 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals) and Flynn Cameron (17 points, 5 rebounds, 1 assist, and 1 steal) led Adelaide before Cotton scored at the buzzer to give the 36ers a 91-89 win and level the series.

Sydney regained control in game three, with Cooks (18 points, 8 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 blocks), Davis (34 points and 15 assists), Galloway (17 points, 2 assists, and 2 steals) and Soares (12 points, 10 rebounds, and 1 block) leading the Kings to a 106-93 win. John Jenkins (22 points), Zylan Cheatham (17 points and 10 rebounds) and Cotton (15 points and 12 assists) led Adelaide, while Davis became the first player in league history to record 34 points and 15 assists without a turnover as Sydney moved within one win of the championship.

Adelaide kept the series alive in game four, defeating Sydney 92-91 despite Cooks (16 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, 1 steal, and 3 blocks), Davis (22 points, 4 rebounds, and 10 assists), Galloway (20 points and 1 steal) and Soares (10 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, and 4 blocks). Cheatham (23 points, 8 rebounds, 9 assists, and 2 steals), Cotton (19 points, 5 rebounds, and 12 assists) and Dejan Vasiljevic (19 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 steal) led the 36ers and forced a deciding game in Sydney.

Game five returned to Qudos Bank Arena on April 5, where Cooks (19 points, 12 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block) grabbed seven offensive rebounds and helped Sydney dominate the extra period. Soares (20 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 steals) scored from an offensive rebound with 4.6 seconds remaining to force overtime, while Davis (35 points, 14 assists, and 1 steal) and Galloway (16 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 assists) helped Sydney outscore Adelaide 18-6 in overtime. Cotton (35 points, 4 rebounds, 9 assists, 1 steal, and 1 block), Cheatham (15 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists, and 1 steal) and Isaac Humphries (14 points, 9 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals) led Adelaide as the Kings won 113-101 in front of 18,589 fans to claim the club’s sixth championship and third in five seasons. Davis was named Championship Series MVP, while Cooks secured his third NBL championship. Cooks played 34:29 in the win.

Xavier Cooks currently plays for the Sydney Kings and has played 155 games in his NBL career. He has averaged 13.5 points, 8.1 rebounds, and 3 assists since entering the league in 2019.

CURRENT CONTRACT:

Sydney Kings – 3 Year Deal (2024-27)

HIGHLIGHTS:

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Sydney Kings (@sydneykings)