Goorjian reflects on "brutal" Cooks decision

With the tip-off to the new season just weeks away, Sydney Kings coach Brian Goorjian is moving on from those gruelling Olympic selection calls and firmly focused on winning his seventh NBL championship.

“It was brutal,” Goorjian said of one of the toughest decisions he's had to make in his coaching career.

“As camp was going along the whole time, I wanted to stick my finger down my throat.”

Goorjian acknowledged prior to that camp beginning that tough decisions had to be made. But most expected his returning Sydney star Xavier Cooks would be part of the Olympic squad. 

That wasn't to be.

“When I made those cuts, it was brutal to him (Cooks). He shook my hand, and I could tell he was teary, because it was hard,” Goorjian told SEN.

“When I went to recruit Xavier (back to Sydney), I certainly recruited him knowing I’m the national coach.

“I never thought for a minute that Xavier wasn’t going to be part of the Boomers ... he’s a better basketball player than a lot of the ones I kept.”

Goorjian said Cooks simply wasn't the right fit as part of the overall rotation, and expected him to play a key part in the national setup for years to come.

“He’s a winner,” Goorjian said.

“He’s a competitor ... so when I did those cuts, the brutal ones, he shook my hand and I understand it was difficult.

“I have so much respect for him. I couldn’t be more fortunate that he is who he is for all that to happen. In my time coaching, I’ve never had one like that ... where it is one of my guys I am cutting.”

Goorjian has the full support of his marquee man, who last week said there was 'no bad blood'.

“If you know me personally, I'm very easy going, never a negative kind of guy. I don't really hold any grudges," Cooks said.

“I see it as a business move. He (Goorjian) thought the best option available was another path and I get that. I see how it is and that chapter is done. 

“We're here with the Sydney Kings to get another championship.”

“He’s (Cooks) been incredible… The vibe I have from him is let’s not talk about it, we don’t need a discussion,” Goorjian added.

Goorjian announced he wouldn't continue with the Australian Boomers following the Olympics, with the Kings now having his full attention for the NBL25 campaign.