Sydney Kings Xavier Cooks, Unable To Finish Out Games

With Xavier Cooks arrival back in the NBL some called him the best player in the league without even seeing him play a game. 

He has started the season great and has quickly come into MVP consideration, but there is a big question lingering on whether his foul troubles will hold the Kings back from being title contenders. The Sydney marquee player has fouled out in 2 of the first 3 games this season putting his team under pressure at the pointy end of games. 

Xavier Cooks has made a big splash in his return to the NBL, quickly asserting himself as one of the league's best players starting the season averaging 20.5 PPG, 9.5 RPG and 2 APG on 59.3 FG%. As the best player in the squad he has led the team to their 2-1 record but there has been one downfall of his overall game, what you ask, let’s find out!

 

Cooks has played three games this season and has fouled out in 2 of those 3 games. You could see a massive shift in the Sydney vs Perth game when Cooks fouled out with the pressure from his dominance of the undersized Perth Wildcats being released immediately. The Wildcats would come back and nearly take the win against the Kings whilst in the second game of Round 2, the Kings would fall late to the Hawks after Cooks once again fouled out, finishing with 22 points, 12 rebounds and 5 assists. It could be said that if Cooks was able to stay in the game, the Kings would have taken the victory.

It will be very interesting to see if Cooks can improve his foul troubles because in big games and moments he is a much needed and valuable part of this team on both ends. They will struggle without him in the big moments despite the depth of their roster.