Cooks key to helping Boomers secure spot

THE Australian Boomers will unleash a potent mix of NBL and rising talent in a World Cup qualifier against Kazakhstan in November, headlined by the league’s most in-form player in Sydney Kings star Xavier Cooks.

There are no NBA players in the squad as the current season unfolds, including the NBL’S returning NBA star Aron Baynes. Baynes struck form on Monday night to help the Brisbane Bullets record their first win of the season, but he has opted against travelling to Kazakhstan. The bronze-medal winning big man is a veteran on the international stage and doesn’t have to prove his worth to the Australian program.

In-form Cairns big man Keanu Pinder, who excelled for Australia during the recent gold medal-winning Asia Cup campaign, also opted against playing in the away World Cup qualifier. A win against Kazakhstan on November 12 will guarantee the Boomers qualify for the 2023 World Cup in Indonesia, Japan and the Philippines from August 25 to September 10.

Baynes’ absence opens the door for Australia to have one eye on the future through the selections of players such as 22-year-old Illawarra Hawks big man Sam Froling. Australia has also chosen rising swingmen and Centre of Excellence graduates Alex Toohey and Rory Hawke following their debuts in a win over Iran in Bendigo in August.

Cooks has backed up a career-best season with a hot start to NBL23, averaging 16.57 points, 8.43 rebounds and 4 assists while shooting 55 per cent from the field.

The Ballarat-born forward is particularly looking forward to playing for Australia with Kings teammate Dejan Vasiljevic.

“It’s always a privilege to pull on the green and gold, especially after not being able to the last few windows,” Cooks said. “We have a really talented roster and I always enjoy playing alongside guys that I go against each week in the NBL – not to mention being able to do it alongside Kings teammate DJ too.

“I can’t wait to get to work, make our country proud and help lock in our spot at next year’s World Cup.”

BOOMERS TEAM: Todd Blanchfield, Angus Brandt, Xavier Cooks, Sam Froling, Rory Hawke, Nick Kay, Mitch Mccarron, Jack Mcveigh, Mitch Norton, Alex Toohey, Luke Travers and Dejan Vasiljevic.