NBL superstar given provisional anti-doping ban on eve of play-offs

Sydney Kings star Xavier Cooks has been handed a provisional suspension over a potential anti-doping violation.

Cooks, who was named in the All-NBL second team at Monday night’s awards ceremony, will now likely miss the Kings’ NBL finals play-in game against the Adelaide 36ers on Thursday night due to the ruling.

“Xavier Cooks has been provisionally suspended due to an adverse analytical finding and a potential violation of the Australian National Anti-Doping Policy,” the Kings said in a statement on Tuesday.

Provisional suspension: Sydney Kings star Xavier Cooks.Credit: James Brickwood

“No further comments will be made at this time, and we request the privacy of all parties involved be respected.”

Basketball Australia said: “A mandatory provisional suspension (effective immediately) has been imposed on Sydney Kings player Xavier Cooks following notification to him by Sport Integrity Australia (SIA) of an adverse analytical finding (AAF) and a potential violation of the Australian National Anti-Doping Policy (ANADP).

“The matter is now progressing in accordance with the ANADP. No further comment will be made by the athlete, NBL, Sydney or BA and we request the privacy of all parties involved be respected.”

The potential absence of 203cm Cooks, who has averaged 15.4 points and 8.7 rebounds per game this season, could derail the Kings’ championship quest under coach Brian Goorjian. The athletic forward, whom the Kings often use to run their offence, was the league most valuable player in 2023, and the grand final MVP in 2022, helping the Kings win the NBL title in both seasons.

He did not play for the Kings last Friday, which the club said was due to “personal leave”.

Cooks is an Australian representative and played for the Boomers at the 2023 FIBA World Cup.

He has spent time with the NBA’s Washington Wizards, making 10 appearances before being waived and heading to Japan’s B League, before rejoining the Kings for the 2024-25 season.

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