Cooks keen to get back to winning ways on the road

Heading into the second half of the NBL25 season, the Sydney Kings feel refreshed after the recent FIBA window.

King #217 Xavier Cooks believes the break has been beneficial for his Hoops Capital outfit.

"We've used the break as a little bit of a reality check of how we've been going, as none of us are happy with our 7-6 record," the NBL23 MVP said in an interview with The Big Sports Breakfast.

PURCHASE YOUR KINGS HOME GAME TICKETS NOW

"[The break] has been an unbelievable chance for us to reset, rest our bodies and really concentrate on certain aspects of our play that need improving - which is an element we haven't the luxury of so far this season.

"The whole squad is ready for a big second half of the season for us, starting with Cairns this Friday."

That fixture is that start of yet another road-heavy section for the Kings, with four of the next five games away from the harbour city.

"[During this road-heavy schedule] everyone's workout routine throughout these travel weeks is different, depending on your role and how many minutes you're playing," the two-time NBL champion said.

"A lot of the younger guys are doing more personal development, while us older guys are doing more scenario and problem-solving work."

Looking ahead to the weekend's two fixtures against Cairns (Friday) and Melbourne (Sunday), Cooks expects a more disciplined team on the floor.

PURCHASE YOUR NBL25 FULL-SEASON MEMBERSHIP NOW

"Our inconsistency so far can be put down to us playing so many line-ups, while also being guilty of waiting on others to make the big play for our team," said the forward, who admits these two round 10 fixtures are 'massive' for his side.

"Add in the fact that Jaylen [Adams] has been in and out of our team so much, has made it hard for others to adjust to one another's play and learn how we can best complement each other.

"These issues aren't fixed overnight but I believe we're heading in the right direction."

Friday's match against Cairns tips off at 7.30pm AEDT, broadcast live on ESPN.