Xavier Cooks ends Summer League with Suns win over China, no comment on next destination
Despite a slight early deficit, Phoenix Suns retook the game in the first quarter and claimed a dominant win against China, 94-64.
Xavier Cooks played nearly 18 minutes, and recorded 8 points (3/6 FG, 0/2 3P), 4 rebounds, 1 assist and 2 steals.
https://twitter.com/NBL/status/1149848477284753408
"It was a good way to go out, keep my confidence high. It was an up and down game, but it was fun to be out there," Cooks shared with NBL Overtime.
"I always feel like I play basketball the right way, hit the open guy, unselfish basketball. I pride myself on my basketball IQ, and it's just tough out here, because everyone's trying to show themselves, everyone's trying to make the league. It's tough to try and balance everything but I try and make it work."
The Phoenix Suns did not enter tournament play, which means this game in China will be the final Summer League game for Cooks. He played three games, and averaged 15.3 minutes, with 3.3 points, 2.7 rebounds and 1.7 assists a game.
The guard is maintaining an even keel on his next step however, confirming that he will leave negotiations to agent Daniel Moldovan.
"Man, I let Daniel handle all that. I'm going to give a political answer - just call Daniel. I'm not going to comment on my free agency, I had a good year in Germany, I wouldn't mind going back to Europe, I wouldn't mind going to the NBL, I'd love to play in the NBA. We'll see how this goes."
Australians in Summer League updates
Jock Landale was a DNP against the Portland Trail Blazers; it's likely not an injury issue as other standouts (Elijah Bryant, Sterling Brown) were similarly held in reserve. The Milwaukee Bucks lost their consolation game, 84-99.
Isaac Humphries played nearly 22 minutes against the Indiana Pacers, with the Clippers losing 75-86 in their consolation game. Humphries had 8 points (3/5 FG, 0/2 3P), 5 rebounds, 2 blocks and 2 assists.
Aussies in Summer League game schedule (PT)
Saturday, July 13 – Consolation and Quarterfinals
Consolation games
Cox Pavilion
7 p.m. – #21 Denver vs. #20 Houston (Deng Adel, William McDowell-White)
Quarterfinal tournament games
Thomas & Mack
5:30 p.m. – #7 Brooklyn vs. #2 Detroit (Duop Reath)
7:30 p.m. – #6 Dallas vs. #3 Minnesota (Mitch Creek)