Cooks ready to atone

Former MVP and Sydney Kings championship winner Xavier Cooks is working to rebuild his public image after serving a suspension for recreational drug use.

“That is one thing I’ve been really trying to do is change the narrative around my situation,” Cooks told Code Sports. “I’ve spent a lot of time getting out in the community and doing work. I’ve also been doing academy work and coaching kids and going out and watching NBL1 practices.”

Cooks made his return to the court on Wednesday night for the Boomers, marking his first game appearance since the end of last season, prior to his suspension.

His last chance to wear the green and gold came during the Boomers’ Olympic selection process for Paris, though he ultimately missed out on making the final squad.

Having spent recent months training alongside his Kings teammates, Cooks is eager to return to competitive play ahead of NBL26.

 “It’s really hard to simulate basketball fitness by doing other activities. It is more than just running. It is also the grinding, bumping and jumping, so it’s hard to reach that intensity, but I’ve tried to make up for it.”

Read full story here >> ‘Change the narrative’: Sydney Kings star Xavier Cooks on rebuilding his respected reputation