Can Kings reclaim the throne?

It’s a very different looking roster at the Sydney Kings compared to the one Xavier Cooks helped lead to back-to-back championships across NBL22 and NBL23.

But one thing remains the same – the NBL25 version of the Kings is stacked with talent.

Cooks’ return from a stint in the NBA and a strong season in Japan fills an almighty part of the puzzle for new coach Brian Goorjian, but it’s the pieces around him that excite the 2023 MVP most.

Cam Oliver is back in the NBL after three years abroad, while Bul Kuol arrives from the Taipans to give the Kings a completely new look.

Outside of Cooks, only Kouat Noi and Shaun Bruce remain from Sydney’s last championship.

“I remember when Cam played against us in Cairns – he gave us trouble all-year round,” Cooks said on SEN.

“He’s super-athletic, can space the floor, gets after it on defence … I’m really excited about him.

“He’s a really mobile big.

“Success comes from defence, and he’s going to bring that presence down low as well. I’m excited about that.

“Just this first week being at practice seeing Bul Kuol get after it … he’s an unbelievable athlete, an unbelievable talent and a really good guy.

“He really gets after it and really takes pride on the defensive end.”

CATCH UP | Terrific to have @SydneyKings returning star Xavier Cooks join @ThatJimmySmith in studio today!

Talking Kings, Brian Goorjian, his experiences in the @NBA & the Boomers chances at @Paris2024.

LISTEN 👉https://t.co/iugOn3givU@1170sen | @psmithtse pic.twitter.com/1qNGQgwNhw

— Jimmy Smith Show (@JimmySmithSEN) June 18, 2024

That defensive nous is what will set the Kings apart from the competition, according to Cooks.

“I think this team’s going to specialise on the defensive end,” he said.

“When you look at Tasmania who won the championship this year, they were one of the best defensive teams.

“Bul’s been one of the best defenders in the league for a while … he’s an unbelievable talent.”

Complementing Oliver and Kuol, three-and-d guard Izayah Le’Afa, as well as some of the best local emerging talent out of college – Jason Spurgin, Tyler Robertson and Keli Leaupepe.

But there's no doubt Cooks is the main man. If the Kings are going to bounce back from what was a disappointing season, particularly by their recent lofty standards, he’ll need another MVP-calibre season, while the master ‘Goorj’ will need to work a little bit of magic of his own.

If any combination can do it ...