‘Change the narrative’: Sydney Kings star Xavier Cooks on rebuilding his respected reputation

Xavier Cooks is set for his return to basketball after serving a drug ban, and has vowed to rebuild his reputation, starting with a national team stint this week.

Xavier Cooks has vowed to start the process of rebuilding his respected reputation when he dons the Boomers green and gold against the New Zealand Tall Blacks in his first game since serving a recreational drug ban.

Cooks hasn’t played since the start of February after copping a one-month punishment for testing positive to cocaine.

The Sydney Kings star served his doping ban in February and March – and while he missed the Kings’ season-ending NBL play-in loss to Adelaide – he is now free to return to the court.

Cooks refused to address his anti-doping violation, but spoke about the responsibility he feels to make amends for his error in judgement ahead of his first match in over three months.

“That is one thing I’ve been really trying to do is change the narrative around my situation,” Cooks told Code Sports.

Xavier Cooks has vowed to rebuild his reputation. Picture: Mark Metcalfe/Getty Images

“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.

“I’m just really excited to play basketball to put a face to myself again after sitting out these last few months and watching the boys play.

“As a basketball player you get so hungry and basketball is my happy place.”

Cooks, in March, publicly apologised for his drug violation, declaring it was “one of the biggest mistakes in my life”.

The former NBL MVP is determined to let his basketball do the talking, starting with Wednesday’s Trans-Tasman clash against the Tall Blacks.

Cooks has worked tirelessly on his fitness and skills during his hiatus from hoops via training with the Kings four days a week to five-on-five scrimmages alongside NBL1 players and even swimming and jogging.

And while Cooks concedes it has been difficult to replicate match fitness, he believes he’ll be ready to go for the Boomers come tip-off time.

Xavier Cooks returns after his three-month suspension. Picture: Morgan Hancock/Getty Images.

“It’s a big jump from playing pick-up games to playing high-level Australian basketball, so the cardio might take a little bit of a hit,” he said.

“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.”

Cooks says he is blessed to play his return game for his beloved Boomers – a jumper he holds close to his heart.

He last donned the green and gold in the lead-up to the Paris Olympics before missing out on selection.

“It means the world to play for the Boomers, especially after my situation,” he said.

“Whenever you get to represent your country it is the biggest honour, especially against our biggest rivals in New Zealand.

“It has been 10 years since we’ve had one of these Trans-series games against the Tall Blacks, so I’m really excited for it and playing in some high-level and high intensity basketball.”

Cooks is expecting a physical battle against a Tall Blacks side featuring seasoned international campaigners in Shea Ili, Reuben Te Rangi and Corey Webster.

“I think they (New Zealand) are going to come out really strongly,” he said.

“The main thing that will standout will the intensity and physicality from both teams.

“They have got a good roster with guys like Ili and Te Rangi who have been a part of these series before.

“I’ve been watching videos of the Tall Blacks doing the Haka to understand the rivalry and we’re ready for it.”

Cooks is locked in on the Boomers, but he also has one eye on preparing for NBL26 with the Sydney Kings.

He couldn’t be happier about the Kings’ off-season spending spree, headed by star backcourt signings Matthew Dellavedova and Kendric Davis.

“I’m very excited to have two high level guards on my team,” he said.

“They are both team first kind of guys and to have that much talent in our backcourt is going to make everyone’s lives a lot easier.

“I think it is going to be a good season for us.”

TRANS-TASMAN BASKETBALL SERIES: 

Wednesday, May 7 at the Adelaide Entertainment Centre

Opals vs Tall Ferns from 6pm (AEST)

Boomers vs Tall Blacks from 8pm (AEST)

Originally published as ‘Change the narrative’: Sydney Kings star Xavier Cooks on rebuilding his respected reputation