HE’S already making his mark on the US College scene, now Wollongong’s Xavier Cooks is preparing to launch into international stardom.
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Cooks, who scored more than 1000 points and made more than 500 rebounds and 100 blocks in an impressive career with the Winthrop Eagles, was this week named in a Junior Boomers squad.
The Australian team will play games against Ukraine, Lithuania, Israel, Russia and Mozambique, pushing for a quarter-final spot and possibly a medal at the World University Games, held in Taipei. “We’ve got 12 guys that are really excited about representing Australia,” coach Mark Radford said.
“There’s a good mix of guys in the NBL whether they are contracted or are development players as well as guys that have chosen the US pathway. We have great balance across all positions as well as in athleticism, size and scoring ability.”
Cooks, the son of Illawarra Hawks assistant coach Eric Cooks, was also named in last year’s Junior Boomers squad.
Ex-Hawks guard Kyle Adnam, now with Melbourne United has been named in the squad.
- WORLD UNIVERSITY GAMES
Junior Boomers squad: Kyle Adnam (Melbourne United), Emmett Naar (St Mary’s), Dejan Vasiljevic (Miami), Matthew Kenyon (Brisbane), Tanner Krebs (St Mary’s), Xavier Cooks (Winthrop), Jack McVeigh (Nebraska), Rhys Vague (Perth Wildcats), Craig Moller (Melbourne United), Tyrell Harrison (Brisbane Bullets), Duop Reath (Louisiana State), Gorjok Gak (Florida State).
Tim Barrow
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
When it comes to sport - at professional and community level - in the Illawarra, I'm here to provide insight, context and opinion, as well as the latest news you won't find anywhere else.
