Xavier Cooks, the rising Australian value

” I asked for a time out and I said (to my colleagues) : ‘Make sure Xavier doesn’t stay on the bench too long.’ “We will understand with this kind of statement that Matt Nielsen, main assistant coach of the Australian selection, prefers to see xavier cooks on the field rather than off.

” When he is on the field, you can change to all positions in defense. […] The rebound, the races, he runs in the axis of the field, he is vigilant with the offensive rebound, he distributed. It’s a really unique element, really versatile in this field, and really exciting for the continuation of our development. “, continues the technician, quoted by ESPNtalking about his player’s performance against Japan.

A capital performance ended with 24 points (12/20 on shots), 16 rebounds, including 10 offensive, 2 assists and 2 blocks. “ To be honest with you, I’d say it’s sheer determination. I missed a lot of shots that I handed myself “says the Wizards player, talking about his impressive offensive rebound activity.

Before adding: I try to leave everything on the ground. I come in and I give absolutely everything. I am dead tired. Our team is so dense that we can afford to deplete our tank, get replaced quickly, and then go back. »

Be a “connector”

Since the start of this World Cup, the 28-year-old is Australia’s third-leading attacking force (14 points) behind gunners Patty Mills and Josh Giddey (19 points each), and the team’s best rebounder (8 catches) . And imposes itself in a role of hub of their game.

” I know that if I have a good defender on me, the best role is to be a connector. The kind of guy who connects with others. Especially in this team, we have so many guys capable of being the #1 option on their own team. For me, it is important to know my role, and I knew coming there that I was not going to be MVP Xavier Cooks; I was going to be the connector, the guy who brings energy, who does the little things, and I’m happy to play this role “, he develops.

A real safe bet with the ball in hand – he hasn’t lost a single ball in three games! – is relatively small to play inside (2m03) and not skillful enough from a distance to play outside full time (not a single 3-point shot attempted). Andrew Bogut thinks so that it took him some time to discover himself as a player “.

Saluted by Andrew Bogut

” When you’re an up-and-coming player, you often hear what you’re not: ‘He’s not a great 3-point shooter or he’s not this’. Yeah, but whatever he is, he’s damn good at what he does “, Continues the legend of Australian basketball according to which his former teammate took his responsibilities by playing with the Sydney Kings, with whom the MVP of the local championship averaged 15 points before joining the Wizards for the end of the season.

Uninhibited in attack, Xavier Cooks is nonetheless a serious asset in defense. ” I feel like I have more influence on that side of the pitch. […] In attack, I just try to feed on others and make the right choice. Most of my points come from assists: the guys set and I cut. […] In defense, I can really rely on my strengths “Judge Cooks.

” He can defend away from the circle. It is a destabilizer, it is its main asset. He’s not the toughest but that’s what makes him so valuable. Teams sometimes try to post it, or put a big on it. But he’s so long, athletic and smart that he manages to deflect shots he shouldn’t. “, analyzes Bogut, evoking a “ invaluable to the team “.

Luka Doncic’s Slovenia, who face Australia this Friday, have been warned.

How to read the stats? MJ = matches played; Min = Minutes; Shots = Shots made / Shots attempted; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; Off = offensive rebound; Def= defensive rebound; Tot = Total bounces; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost bullets; Ct: Counters; Points = Points.