Williams sidelined, NBA forward in

Monday, September 11, 2023

"I’ve heard plenty about the NBL and I really think that it’s a great opportunity for me and my basketball."

The South East Melbourne Phoenix will be without one of its star players for at least the early part of the season, with Alan Williams suffering a knee injury.

The club said it had "no timeline on his return", but has moved quickly to secure an injury replacement player, Tyler Cook.

While it's going to be difficult to replace a player the calibre of Williams, who had a strong NBL23 campaign, Cook bring valuable NBA experience across five different franchises.

Cook lined up for the Chicago Bulls as recently as 2022, and at 203 centimetres and 116 kilograms, the power forward brings a commanding presence in Williams' absence.

The Phoenix are hopeful their new recruit will be available for the Hungry Jack's NBL Blitz on the Gold Coast, starting this week.

Williams has been moved to the inactive roster.

“I’ve heard plenty about the NBL and I really think that it’s a great opportunity for me and my basketball,” Cook told the club's website.

“As soon as Tommy [Greer] got in touch, I was pretty quickly sorting flights out, I’m really looking forward to linking up with Mike [Kelly] and the rest of the squad.

“I’m coming in with the sole focus to get wins.”

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">Welcome to the Heartland Tyler! ??? <a href="https://twitter.com/iamtc25?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@iamtc25</a><br><br>We’ve signed NBA experienced big man Tyler Cook as an injury replacement player for Alan Williams. ?</p>— South East Melbourne Phoenix (@SEMelbPhoenix) <a href="https://twitter.com/SEMelbPhoenix/status/1701068047182942615?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">September 11, 2023</a></blockquote> <script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

South East Melbourne Phoenix CEO Tommy Greer said Cook’s acquisition was a silver lining, after losing Williams in the interim.

“Alan is a huge loss and we look forward to welcoming him back as soon as he’s fit and ready to take the court,” Greer said.

“[In the] meantime, we are excited to welcome Tyler to the Phoenix family.

“A player of his calibre and pedigree will be an amazing cover for Alan, and a great addition for the Phoenix.”

Cook will wear the number five jersey for the Phoenix.