The son of Ballarat Miners legend Eric Cooks has starred for the Boomers off the bench at the FIBA World Cup in Japan.
28-year-old Xavier Cooks racked up 24 points and 16 rebounds in the teams 20-point win over the host nation.
He became the first Australian player to register a double-double at the tournament in what Basketball Australia describe as his career best performance at international level.
The Miners’ inaugural coach and Australian Head coach Brian Goorjian said the team’s first half against Japan is the blueprint for success.
“It’s interesting you get in a game like that – and I’ve talked a lot about the change from the experience that we had at the last Olympics – we’re going through an evolution,” said Goorjian.
“Some guys get moved in, and three big pieces tonight were Josh Giddey, Josh Green and Xavier Cooks.”
“Those three guys make this really exciting, not only for tonight, but for the future.”
