Pirates Legend Sidney Cooks Finds Home in Far East

She was a game-changer for Seton Hall, and three years after her collegiate career ended, Sidney Cooks has found a new, unexpected home nearly 8,000 miles away.

In many respects, Cooks was a pioneer for Seton Hall women's basketball. The Pirates have had a plethora of frontcourt players throughout the years, but none with the unique, versatile kill set that Cooks possessed. At 6-foot-4, Cooks is a looming, physical presence. Her ability to rebound, block shots and score in the paint proved valuable, but her penchant for stretching the defense and playing along the perimeter made her special. Cooks drained 83 three-pointers in her career at Seton Hall. Although she played only two years, she scored nearly 1,100 points in a Pirates' uniform and was a two-time All-BIG EAST Conference performer.

"Seton Hall provided me with the platform to showcase my strengths, which I had always known, but had never been given the opportunity to demonstrate," Cooks said. "As a 6-foot-4 shooter, I've played multiple positions, but Coach B (Bozzella) gave me the freedom to go wherever I would be most successful. Coach Jose (Rebimbas) took me in like his own and really challenged me and pushed me. That was the first time I've realized how important it is to love your staff because you'll automatically want to play harder."

Upon graduation, the Kenosha, Wis. native easily transitioned to professional basketball, making stops in Argentina, Mexico, Puerto Rico, and most recently China and Taiwan where she's found a home and is in the process of becoming a Taiwanese citizen.

"Versatility has always been an integral part of my game, but I needed a team (Seton Hall) that would allow me to showcase it," Cooks added. "We made some improvements and elevated my IQ, and that's how I was able to make a smooth transition into the pros."

Cooks eventually landed in Taiwan, before playing a full season in mainland China.

"I was the first import that they brought to their league (Taiwan) in over a decade," Cooks said. "It was a very big deal to allow an American, or any imported player for that matter, to come to the league."

There was a transition period, but she was immediately fond of the country.

"Taiwan is extremely quiet and peaceful," Cooks said. "They really respect their elders and have significant cultural values. If any elder walks in the room, they immediately greet them. It doesn't matter if we're in a practice or if it's during a game, they will stop what they are doing to bow to the person who walked in the room. I caught on quick," Cooks said.

Sidney Cooks

On the court, however, Cooks' growth was limited, as there were only four teams in the Taiwanese WNBL. Conversely, China's WCBA League boasts 24 teams with elevated competition and players from around the globe, so Cooks made the move.

"When I'm not playing for the Taiwanese National Team, I do plan on playing in China for years to come," Cooks said.

After playing a successful first season in China, opportunity came knocking again for Cooks to play in Taiwan when a teammate suggested she might be a match for the National Team. A new coach had been hired, an American, and he was looking for players that had experience playing in Taiwan.

"My friend connected us, and my coach and I immediately hit it off," Cooks said. "He's also from America so it made the communication easier, and through talking to me and my agent, we were able to come to a contract on me playing for the Taiwan National Team."

With the next Summer Olympics and World Championships in the not-too-distant future, Seton Hall fans have another country they'll be hoping to see on the largest stage… Taiwan, and Pirates' legend Sidney Cooks.

"I always tell people that my job is incredibly cool," Cooks said. "I've been doing this since I was four years old and I feel like I'm living my dream. I'm healthy, I'm constantly learning new things, and I couldn't be more grateful for this occupation."

Scoreboard

Seton Hall University Athletics

Related Videos

Sponsors Slider