NBL22: Sydney Kings Next Star Makur Maker stepping up in absence of Xavier Cooks

Key big man Xavier Cooks is set to miss Sydney’s trip to Perth through injury but the improved play of a Kings Next Star is softening the blow.

They might be the hottest team in the NBL but the Sydney Kings’ next task is one of the toughest in basketball — the Wildcats in Perth.

RAC Arena can be a graveyard for the NBL’s best but the Kings will take on Bryce Cotton and company on the back of an eight-game winning streak.

The past two have come without key big man Xavier Cooks, who has been laid up with an ankle sprain.

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Coach Chase Buford said Cooks was unlikely to make the trip to Perth for Saturday’s clash — both Jaylen Adams and Makur Maker suffered similar injuries and each missed several weeks.

“Xav … got it pretty good,” Buford said after his Kings held off South East Melbourne in a two-point thriller.

“It’s probably too quick for X against Perth.”

“X obviously is a huge, huge part of how good we’ve been, limiting attempts at the rim from other teams and also second chance opportunities.

“We’ll miss X as long as he’s out.”

Makur Maker is making an impression as he steps up for the injured Xavier Cooks.

Next Star Maker, who made four of his five field goals on his way to 11 points in the win over the Phoenix, is finally healthy and has claimed some of the minutes vacated by Cooks.

“I’m really proud of him,” Buford said.

“From day one, this summer when he came in, you could see what a good basketball player he is.

“He is so talented with the ball, he can do everything.

“He’s growing all the time, he’s super talented, he’s physical, he’s athletic.

“If we can get this type of MK for the rest of the season, it’s going to help us big time.”

Xavier Cooks has missed the Kings’ past two games with an ankle sprain. Picture: Getty Images

Buford is under no illusion as to what his team has to do to beat the Wildcats, who sit second and have been on a tear of their own, despite spending the best part of the season on the road, due to Covid restrictions in WA.

“Same things as the last few times we’ve played them — got to stop (Vic) Law, got to stop Cotton,” he said.

“Try to limit those guys and make the other guys beat you and see what happens.

“Do that, you have a chance.

“You don’t do that, you better hold the other guys.”

Originally published as NBL22: Sydney Kings Next Star Makur Maker stepping up in absence of Xavier Cooks