Jae'Sean Tate says Xavier Cooks is ready for the NBA

Former NBL First-Team player and Kings star Jae’Sean Tate says Xavier Cooks is ready to make the NBA leap as he did two seasons ago.

In a recent episode of the NBL’s podcast The Huddle, Tate praised Cooks’ season and says he’ll be ready for the NBA when they come calling.

“My boy, Cook, X is killing it,” he said.

“All he has got to do is continue to do what he's doing. Those numbers sound great and phenomenal.

“They’ll [The NBA] find you. You just got to continue to go out there and perform and the right opportunity will come. I know that he'll be ready for it.”

Tate says he has also been watching our MVP candidate Jaylen Adams’ highlights on the Kings’ social media. It's safe to say he has been very impressed.

“I’ve seen some highlights, I have seen some small clips on the Sydney Kings page,” he said

“He’s the real deal. He brought something to the Kings I hadn’t seen, it’s just different.”

Tate is more proof that the pathway from the Brydens Lawyers Sydney Kings to the NBA is real. He was on the NBA’s All-Rookie First Team last season and now is having a phenomenal sophomore NBA season.

He’s averaging 12 points per game, 5.5 rebounds per game and three assists this season and made his first appearance at All-Star weekend in the Rising Stars challenge – even making a game-winning layup.

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But the Rockets have plenty of Kings DNA; Will Weaver is an Assistant Coach for the Rockets and he was the Kings’ head coach in the 19/20 season, coaching Tate and the team to the Grand Final.

Tate says they still share a close bond and work with each other constantly.

“We see so much of each other, it’s like your family away from your family,” he said.  

“Weaver is still my position coach, he is still my personal coach so we have a great relationship. We are always around each other and always talking to each other.”

Reminiscing of Sydney’s beaches, Tate said he misses the country and city dearly.

“I can’t wait to get back out there [Australia],” he said

“I miss Australia, I miss Sydney, I miss the people, I miss the atmosphere. It was one of the best experiences of my life.”

The Kings have two home games left, the Adelaide 36ers will play at Qudos Bank Arena on Sunday, April 17 at 3 pm. And our last game of the season is against the Illawarra Hawks on Sunday, April 24 at 3 pm. Get your tickets here.

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