5-star Mookie Cook "50/50" on going to college or the G-League
Class of 2023 uncommitted five-star Mookie Cook says he is “50/50” on choosing either the college route or the G-League Ignite pathway.
“No, not right now,” Cook said to On3 when asked if he’s leaning one way or another. “Still just 50/50 right now.”
Cook, a 6-foot-7 wing originally from Portland, but now playing for Compass (Ariz.) Prep, backed off his pledge to the Oregon Ducks just over a week ago.
Since his de-commitment, On3 reported Mookie Cook would consider six programs — Kentucky, Duke*, Arizona, Gonzaga, the G-League Ignite, and will continue to consider Oregon.
*Duke has not offered Cook, although the Blue Devils are interested. It’s still unclear whether or not an official scholarship offer will be extended.
Over the weekend, Cook talked the latest with his recruitment.
“Honestly, it was about looking for the best fit,” Cook said of backing off his commitment to Oregon. “I started looking more into it, talking with my family, and we decided it wasn’t the best fit for the time. Right now, I’m looking at the G-League, Kentucky, Duke, Arizona, and still of course Oregon. My options are open now.”
Cook breaks down several of the programs involved
G-League: “It’s the pro route, you can’t really go wrong with it. It allows you to showcase your abilities and showcase what you can do.”
Arizona: “Tommy Lloyd, I’ve been knowing him. P&W, northwest type of guy. We’ve been talking for awhile now. I know his son, Liam. So we’ve known each other for a long time and we have a great connection. I love the way Arizona plays, up and down, exactly how I fit it.
Kentucky: “We’ve been gaining that relationship with coach (John) Calipari and coach Chin (Coleman). Those guys are good. They produce pros.”
Duke: “Jai Lucas just moved over there from Kentucky. He just came and watched my game. That would be cool, you know, Duke has always been a big blue blood. It would be dope.”
Cook did not mention Gonzaga directly, but the Bulldogs were heavily considered the first go around.
As of things stand now, Cook does not have any official visits scheduled, nor does he have an exact timeline for a decision. He does say it will come sometime during his high school season with AZ Compass Prep.
The G-League Ignite is currently the presumed favorite for Cook, but nothing is ever official until the ink dries.
Cook is ranked as the No. 13 overall prospect in the On3 Consensus, a complete and equally weighted industry-generated average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies.
Cook talks starring as LeBron James in new film “Shooting Stars”
This weekend in Kansas City just so happened to be Cook’s first EYBL session this season. He’s been filming for a new movie called “Shooting Stars”, portraying as a young LeBron James.
“It was dope man,” Cook said of the experience. “Just being able to meet of those amazing people. You get to know them a bit through a screen, but once you actually get to sit down, talk with them, you’re just like dang, these are just normal people. They’re not who they appear to be like at first on the screen. It was dope getting to know them, as actual people, and build that relationship.”
While filming for the movie, Cook formed friendships that he says will last a lifetime.
“Now, that little fab five we got, that crew, we’re locked in for life. That’s something that blew my mind, just how close we are now. After we filmed a 12-13 hour day, we’d get back to the hotel, and we would stay up and be with each other, literally.”
The movie is also set to feature Juwan Howard’s son, Jett Howard, who will play the role of Carmelo Anthony. Jett is a graduate of the 2022 class, where he was ranked 38th nationally, before signing with Michigan.
The G-League Ignite’s Scoot Henderson, a projected top-5 pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, is also in the movie, starring as LeBron’s former high school teammate, Romeo Travis.
Scouting Summary
“Mookie Cook has all the tools. At 6-foot-8 he has the positional size. The broad shoulders and long arms showcase a projectable frame. Cook is a functional athlete and he has a smooth release on his jump shot with range. The question mark with Cook is his consistency. He seems to get lost in the shuffle a good amount, not imposing his will on the flow of the game. Cook has a tendency to settle for jump shots. He has the dimensions and physical traits to be a good team defender. This upcoming summer will be a big one in the development of Cook figuring out who and what he is as a prospect and player. The tools are there, the upside is still immense.” – Jamie Shaw, On3 National Recruiting Analyst