By SAM LANCE
KANSAS CITY — Class of 2023 five-star small forward Mookie Cook has four options in the mix since his decommitment from Oregon on June 29, he tells ZAGSBLOG.
Cook, the 6-foot-7, 200-pound small forward from Compass Prep (AZ) and the Oakland Soldiers AAU program, originally released a top three of Kentucky, Oregon, Gonzaga before committing to Oregon in March. But now, Cook says Arizona, Kentucky, the G-League and Oregon are in the mix.
He gave his thoughts on each of those options:
Kentucky: “That place brings out pros. Coach [John] Calipari has a name for himself. It’s a blue blood man, a great organization.”
Arizona: “Up and down pace. Great coaching staff. They share the ball and play positionless basketball.”
G-League: “It’s just coaching for the pro leagues. I can get ready, play against grown men. It’s just that great competition.”
Oregon: “First home. I have a great connection with the coaches. It’s been based around me and my family. It would be a good decision but of course I’d like to go around and stuff.”
Cook said he decommitted from Oregon because he didn’t feel like it was the best fit at the moment after talking with his parents. Oregon head coach Dana Altman and Kentucky head coach John Calipari were courtside at several of Cook’s games at the EYBL Kansas City session. Arizona was also represented.
The Portland, Ore. native recently wrapped up casting for his role in “Shooting Stars,” where he plays LeBron James. The movie is about James’ early basketball career and will be released in 2023. He said the opportunity to play James and act was a “great experience.”
Cook averaged 6.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 1.2 blocks over six games at the EYBL Kansas City session. He describes himself as a leader on the court.
“I’m always communicating and just being a playmaker,” Cook said. “Just nailing every aspect of the game: scoring, getting rebounds, playing defense and guarding one-through-four.”
Cook has taken official visits to Kentucky, Oregon and Gonzaga. Cook said he doesn’t have a timetable for making his final college decision.
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