Travers Primed for Cooks-esque Role in Melbourne

Tuesday, April 18, 2023

Xavier Cooks has helped to redefine what it means to be an elite power forward in the NBL

Xavier Cooks has helped to redefine what it means to be an elite power forward in the NBL, and even though the former Sydney King is now plying his trade with the Washington Wizards, his influence on his domestic league continues to be felt.

Luke Travers was unveiled as Melbourne United’s newest high-profile signing on Monday afternoon, and the former Perth Wildcat is looking at what Cooks has achieved as motivation to improve his own game.

Travers, 21, has shown the ability to be an all-action, do everything type of player – but he's still got plenty of room for growth.

With Melbourne though, the forward believes he can emulate the playstyle of Cooks.

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">LT is ???? ??<br><br>The Cavs draftee and former Wildcat has linked up with Melbourne United on a three-year deal ??<br><br>Read more: <a href="https://t.co/yQt4kpdIQo">https://t.co/yQt4kpdIQo</a> <a href="https://t.co/LXiirheGwi">pic.twitter.com/LXiirheGwi</a></p>— NBL (@NBL) <a href="https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1647842857074724864?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">April 17, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

“The big thing going around is that Xavier Cooks role,” Travers told ESPN. “Getting a rebound and pushing in transition, or whether it’s coming off an on-ball or setting an on-ball.

“There’s a lot of actions I think I can be used in, in that aspect. It was a deciding factor to have the ball a little bit more, but also I’m not going there just to be the man.”

“He can come in and play the four for us which is a crucial position in our league,” United head coach Dean Vickerman added.

“It starts our defence and initiates our offence, which is a massive strength for Travers.