Xavier Cooks’ high praise for big man Sam Froling ahead of Kings versus Hawks blockbuster

Sydney Kings star Xavier Cooks has called out the Illawarra Hawks for their below par contract offer to big man Sam Froling, and declares that ‘any team would be lucky to have him.’

Xavier Cooks insists it isn’t his job to play recruiter for the Sydney Kings, but can see the upside if his club makes a run at Illawarra Hawk Sam Froling.

In fact, Cooks says Froling deserves better after the Hawks lowballed the gifted big man with their first offer in contract negotiations.

“I read somewhere that Illawarra offered him $200,000 or $300,000 – I think that is a bit of a spit in the face for Sam,” Cooks said.

“He is one of the best bigs in this league as a local.

“He is a really exciting prospect and I think that any team would be lucky to have him.

“Sam has had an unbelievable year.”

Sam Froling is one of the best bigs in the NBL. Picture: Jeremy Ng/Getty Images

Froling’s standout form is a major reason why Illawarra has been crowned regular season champions for the first time in franchise history.

The ladder leading Hawks head into Friday’s clash against Sydney full of confidence having already beaten the Kings three times this season.

Sydney’s record against the top six teams in the NBL this season is also a concerning 5-11.

Cooks knows it won’t be easy to topple Illawarra on their home floor, but he is feeling optimistic despite the Kings’ inconsistent form.

“We definitely need it (a boost), but this team has had a pretty unwavering confidence all season,” he said.

“We haven’t been able to put it together for 40 minutes for consistent games, but we know at our best that no one can really mess with us.

“We’ve got one of the best defensive teams – and our offence – once it clicks is great but it is about putting it together for 40 minutes.

“I feel like when teams go on runs, they go on huge runs with us and that is one thing we can work on by starting games better.

“We need that against good teams like Illawarra because every little mistake gets highlighted. The fine details are really hurting us right now, but I have no doubt that we can get it done even though it is going to be tough.”

Xavier Cooks says Froling is worth more. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images.

Cooks expects the Kings to come out firing against Illawarra following last round’s blowout loss to the Perth Wildcats.

He concedes he had a “shocker” against the Wildcats, but he has vowed to respond in Friday’s blockbuster versus the Hawks.

“We got outworked against Perth, but we’ve responded really well at training this week,” he said.

“Everyone was running around with a lot of energy. I think the key has been communication for the duration of practice.

“Every drill is important because we’ve been struggling to put 40 minutes together in a game.”

Cooks has produced a solid season in his return to the NBL following 12 months abroad in the NBA and Japan.

He is averaging more points (15.4), rebounds (8.7), assists (3.9), blocks (1.3) and steals (1.0) than his MVP season in 2023, but he has still faced criticism about his offensive game.

Cooks has also replicated his field goal percentage (56 per cent) from his MVP and championship winning season with the Kings.

Cooks is expecting a strong response from the Kings after a blowout loss last round. Picture: Kelly Defina/Getty Images.

Asked about his season – including doubts over his form – the Kings star produced a typically humble response.

“I don’t judge my success on individual success,” he said.

“It’s more about the team’s success. Numbers aren’t always the most accurate thing.

“I also think the league has been really good this season from top to bottom.

“Adelaide is going to finish sixth and they are a really quality team. Then there is South East Melbourne, Perth, the two Melbourne teams and Illawarra.

“It is a competitive league this season.”

NBL FRIDAY:

Illawarra Hawks vs Sydney Kings at WIN Entertainment Centre from 7.30pm (AEDT)

Originally published as Xavier Cooks’ high praise for big man Sam Froling ahead of Kings versus Hawks blockbuster