Hoops Quack: Five Star Mookie Cook Commits to Oregon
You are not having an episode of Deja Vu reading that headline. Dana Altman has secured a commitment from Compass Prep (Ariz.) five-star forward Mookie Cook for a second time on Friday.
The 6-foot-7, 200-pounder committed to Oregon originally back at the end of March. About three months later he decommitted from Oregon at the end of May.
Here is what Cook told On3’s Joe Tipton about his decision to re-commit to Oregon.
“Honestly, I’ve always truly loved Oregon in my heart,” Cook said to On3. “At the end of the day, I always knew I wanted to be there. I’ve always had a great relationship with the coaches. So truthfully, I just always knew deep down in my heart that that was home and I wanted to be there.”
“I’m most excited to play with Kwame Evans and Jackson (Shelstad). Those are two great players and honestly the whole team. I just can’t wait to be there and see what other guys we got and just win. That’s the main thing. I just want to win. I can’t wait to be able to represent that Oregon, especially as a Portland native, it just feels dope.”
Despite his decision to open things back up, Oregon remained in the mix. Immediately most thought he would opt for the G-League and then Arizona became a big contender. However Dana Altman kept working on the five-star big man resulting in his commitment on Friday.
Cook is the nation’s No. 12 ranked recruit in the On3 Consensus Rankings. He is the No. 4 small forward and top-ranked player in Arizona.
Cook now joins 5-Star power forward Kwame Evans Jr. on Oregon’s commit list. Dana Altman has now secured three commitments in the 2023 class including point guard Jackson Shelstad.
On3 Scouting Report
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.
