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NBA scout: Cook has nothing to lose
Friday, April 20, 2007
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With one college start to his credit, Ohio State's Daequan Cook may not seem like a typical first-round draft pick.
But at least one NBA scout says Cook could impress teams at the Orlando, Fla., pre-draft camp and in subsequent workouts. The same goes for point guard Mike Conley Jr., who stands out in a weak point-guard class.
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"It's not surprising to me. They're both draftable players," the scout said. "They need to find out, someway, where they're going to be in the draft. What have they got to lose? As long as they don't get an agent. They'll go to some workouts, and maybe some team will give them a promise."
Greg Oden likely will be the NBA's top pick. But many underclassmen have declared and not signed with an agent. They can pull their name from the draft list by June 18. If they stay academically eligible, they could play next season in college.
That's the route Conley and Cook are taking, for now. They could sign with an agent later or just return to school.
"I'm confident in all his choices," said Cook's mother, Renae. "There wouldn't be a wrong one. It could be a tougher road."
The scout said a new rule means NBA workouts can't take place until after the pre-draft camp in late May and early June.
"Those two kids have nothing to lose," the scout said. "After Orlando, Fla., then teams can come in and work them out and work them out until the draft. Everybody's seen them play (by then). It only takes one team to like them."
Cook's talent has long intrigued scouts, so his diminished playing time possibly could be overshadowed by strong workouts with NBA teams.
NBA draft dates
April 29: Eligibility deadline
June 18: Early entrant withdrawal deadline
June 28: Draft, New York
Daequan Cook facts
Size: 6-foot-5, 210 pounds
Position: Guard
Averages: 9.8 points, 4.3 rebounds in 19.7 minutes; 41.5 percent 3-point shooting
Honors include: Big Ten Sixth Man of the Year
Comments
By On a need 2 know
April 23, 2007 11:36 AM | Link to this
I don’t Know why everyone is hating because if you were given the opportinity to go to the NBA you know that you would. I know That an education is great and all, but why do you go to school— to get that paper in the long run. It just so happens that they have a talent to get it faster than the average college student. For all of yall saying that Daequan is going to ride the bench who cares. When it is his time to shine he is going to get his.
By Jim
April 21, 2007 5:52 AM | Link to this
Oden is the only standout of these three. He will be the #1 player taken in this yearīs draft. Conley is a good player, and knows how to control the game, but he needs to improve in areas such as perimeter shooting & free-throw shooting. He is also undersized to play in the NBA. He may be a top ten selection come draft day, but this years guard selection isnīt of the highest quality. Cook should be realistic about his NBA future…….He is talented, but lacks 1 to 2 more years in college.
By BG
April 21, 2007 12:11 AM | Link to this
Refinements in playing defense and offense would help them all at the college level—like how to avoid silly fouls which caused Greg Oden to miss more than half of each half, in many crucial games—that is playing “maturity”—for all dummies out there who can’t read, or write. Experience and physical growth is beneficial to all athletes at each level of competition: as in, High School and college—freshman to senior years.Players develope new skills and abilities each year. Think Lucas,Havlicek.
By susan
April 20, 2007 9:11 PM | Link to this
I think Oden is making the right decision, Conley could use another year, He also needs to gain about 15-20 pounds. Cook needs to stay next year for sure,and maybe the following. Learn to play some defense. The average 2 Guard in the NBA is 6’6” 225 lbs. Cook would get killed, He is too little right now, just like Conley. In order to play 82 games plus exhibition games, practice, and traveling, you need to be physically ready and mentally ready.
By Bryan, Lithia, FL
April 20, 2007 6:53 PM | Link to this
Outcoached? Yeah several times this year. I mean he lost how many games this year? I guess he was outcoached in the games he won too. I wish Oden, Cook, and Conley Jr. all the best in the world. What I wish would happen is that if a coach leaves before his contact expires, that all players on that team are eligible for transfer with no wait time involved. I also wish that if a player leaves early, he has to pay back the total amount that he received in scholarship money.
By Ben
April 20, 2007 5:50 PM | Link to this
I wish both of these young men the best. I am a huge Cook and Conley fan. They should follow the money, I dont understand why its not and issue when College Coaches leave their progams for more money after they have made promises to the kids the recruited, when the kids do it, its an issue. The real problem is Thad Matta cant coach as well. He was outcoached serveral times this year and wil probably mess up all the talent he has coming in. JUMP SHIP FELLAS BEFORE YOU GET THE BLAME.
By Doug
April 20, 2007 4:57 PM | Link to this
I agree with Oden’s move.
Conley weighs about 12 pounds, he’ll get knocked around and hurt in the NBA like no tomorrow. He should come back for one more year and then go.
Cook can’t shot to save himself. He played terrible in the tournament, how all of a sudden is he an NBA player? He’s making a big mistake if he leaves. He needs at least two more years of college ball.
By J Slay
April 20, 2007 4:07 PM | Link to this
I’m not concerned either way. I wish these fellas the best of luck whatever they decide to do. However, some of these comments and opinions have been pretty funny and entertaining. RJ, that Peoria Wampus Cats joke was a classic !!!
By deontae M.G.G
April 20, 2007 3:58 PM | Link to this
Follow the MONEY Thats what MONEY GO GETTERS do!!!!!
By Counterpoint
April 20, 2007 2:40 PM | Link to this
Let’s not forget that Conley and Cook have decided (for now) not to hire agents and could go back for their sophomore years. Cook should go back to develop more as a player; another year and he could be a lottery pick. Some people have mentioned that they should go back to get an education; do you really think that is why they chose Ohio State and their respective areas of study? Even if they all end up leaving, don’t count Ohio State out of the Big Ten; Matta is a heck of a coach.
By c shep
April 20, 2007 2:35 PM | Link to this
I believe that these two younge men are doing what they think is best for them but in my opinion, I think that they should stay for at least one more year. But they are just doing what every outher peson would FOLLOW THE MONEY………
By Jeff
April 20, 2007 2:34 PM | Link to this
Daequan Cook has a fantastic future in Europe.
By Irony
April 20, 2007 2:24 PM | Link to this
Gotta love a completely incoherent comment, written on a preschool level, about how those kids should get an education.
By d-gree
April 20, 2007 2:09 PM | Link to this
sounds like clarretts mom is giving advice, go play with your spinners and hug your bling all you want to be who didn’t pass first grade they should stay and get a free education while they get stronger
By SBO
April 20, 2007 2:06 PM | Link to this
The media and in no uncertain terms the NBA is in such a hurry to find the “NEXT RUSSEL OR WALTON” that they have over hyped Oden. Yes, he is a good player, but the NBA needs another big name NOW because the leauge is not what it used to be. There arn’t any Jordan’s or Magic’s or Birds. They need a marque big man NOW.
Greg has begun to belive his own press clippings. One good game and a half of a season does not make you GREAT! Conley, one good ternament. Cook, please.
By Jermarr Roper
April 20, 2007 1:55 PM | Link to this
Cook is a Good player I think he could make it in the NBA. I was definitely impressed with him the first half of the season with the Ohio State Buckeyes he played great. If he thinks he’s ready for the NBA league than who am I to criticize him Good Luck in the NBA! As Far As Oden concerned he’ll the #1 Pick in the draft he’s a monster!
By MM
April 20, 2007 1:43 PM | Link to this
All of you who question the maturity of Oden, Conley, and Cook— do you personally know them? I doubt it. It sounds more like jealousy and hatred because they’re leaving our beloved Buckeyes. Obviously the scouts (you know the ones who actually get paid to determine whether someone is ready for the NBA) have higher opinions than many of you, and they are the only people who count in this matter. I wish the best for all three. GO BUCKS!!!
By Thomas Edwards
April 20, 2007 1:17 PM | Link to this
I feel all three could use another year of college to maximize their chances of succeeding at the next level. Potentially Oden has the biggest upside, Conley Jr. has potential but point guards who shoot free throws like Shaq usually don’t survive. Cook should really think very hard about this because at this point he is a prime D-league candidate.
By Bigpoop
April 20, 2007 1:11 PM | Link to this
First, I am an Ohio State fan who will miss Oden and Conley, both as positive influences on the OSU campus and on the basketball team. I wish that I could believe that either was ready for pro ball, but I don’t. As physically imposing as Greg is, his only good game all year was against Florida. Mike wasn’t even the best point guard in the B10, which was just average this past season. These two have gotten some very bad advise. As for Cook, it’s time for him to go. One bad apple…
By ed H
April 20, 2007 1:01 PM | Link to this
Yes, I think these young men made the right decision for themselves and their family. Remember, its about them and their FAMILY, not about OSU. Kids go to college to better themselves in life by whatever legal means necessary. These kids happen to be basketball players and wants to fulfill their DREAM. Good luck to them and may GOD bless them in their life.
By D-Nice23
April 20, 2007 12:43 PM | Link to this
Who is anybody to say that these young men will not make it in the nba????? everybody on here are a bunch of lame a*s people/osu fans that are mad because you cant probably dribble a basketball and mad because there will never be a championship run again at osu!! i wish nothing but the best for these young man! for some of them its a chance to get rid of all there problem’s and for the other’s it’s a dream come true…… you mf’s dnt knw cook by yet and still you are all o his back about leavin
By DW
April 20, 2007 12:29 PM | Link to this
Kudo’s to those young men and good luck in the draft. Everyone giving their comments today would go to the NBA if given the chance so just deal with it. Anybody who wouldn’t try to go would be a complete incompetent. Yes it’s sad to see them go but that’s what’s so special about college ball we have a bunch of new recruits coming up and should amount to an exciting new year.
By jdt
April 20, 2007 11:50 AM | Link to this
Nice spelling job, geej. Do us all a favor and spend less time on line and more time in school. Comparing Cook to Kobe Bryant is just icing on the cake. Thanks for the hilarious post!
By geej
April 20, 2007 11:35 AM | Link to this
for all the people that say mr cook can not make it in the NBA they said the samething about KOBE BRYANT!!!!! I THINK YOU OHIO STATE FANS ARE JUST MAD BECAUSE YOU WILL NEVER HAVE A TEAM LIKE THAT AGAIN AND YOU WILL BE AT THE BOTTOM OF THE BIG TEN NEXT YEAR! YOU OHIO STATE FANS ARE SO WEEK MR COOK WAS THE BEST PLAYER ON THE TEAM YES HIS DEFENCE WAS NOT GOOD BUT WHO DOSE HAVE GOOD DFENCE AT 18 OR 19 YEARS OLD.OHIO STATE GO BY YOUR TITLE LIKE YOU DID AGAINST MIAMI IN FOOTBALL!!!!!!!!
By Larry
April 20, 2007 11:06 AM | Link to this
As an OSU Basketball season ticket holder Oden & Conley will make it in the NBA. Cook will not be playing in the NBA. A developmental league or perhaps Europe will be the end result. His play is too eratic and he played better at the beginning of the year against the cupcake scheduled teams and struggled against some quality teams.
By dickg
April 20, 2007 11:00 AM | Link to this
History will bear this out. They could all lose a lot, like an education that their basketball skills could have paid for. Hopefully they will put back some money to use for education should their pro careers wash out. The media that has put you on the pedestal will be trying to knock you off of it, and that will be much tougher to handle than a coach sitting you because others were better able to contribute. Oden will foul out in 5 minutes. Cook will ride the bench. Conley has a chance to play.
By Steve
April 20, 2007 10:55 AM | Link to this
You can’t be upset with the players for chasing a dream since childhood. However, this is the exact reason that it’s very dificult to be a true fan of college basketball. I understand now why some coaches only recruit medeocre players that they know will stay around 3-4 years to build a team. Seems like that’s what’s best for the whole program in the long run.
By Ramey
April 20, 2007 10:49 AM | Link to this
Cook is overrated and erratic. Can’t play D and can’t play offense in a game that matters. He’s believing the hype and his greedy a*s mother. She said she’s mad at Matta for wanting to win instead of playing her son.
Conly and Oden will be great players and Cook will be lucky to coach a little kids team.
By R.J.
April 20, 2007 10:08 AM | Link to this
Oden: starter on the Celtics; Conley: will sit, watch in the NBA, and play mop-up minutes; Cook: will be drafted high in the 1st round in the Developmental League by the Peoria Wampus Cats, where he will set a record for most shot attempts per minute.
Oh yes, whoever he is guarding D on any given night will score their career high. Daequan, whoever has given you the notion that your erratic shot is going to carry you has seriously miscalculated.
By Terrence
April 20, 2007 9:49 AM | Link to this
Thats what the NBA does best, they draft on potential and how much they think you can imporve. If cook is a late 1st round pick it could be good for him. He will be on one of the better teams with vetrans to learn from, even if he dosnt get any playing time. Its his decision to decide if he wants to develop in the NBA on the bench, or at OSU starting for 1 or 2 seasons.
By BMT
April 20, 2007 9:27 AM | Link to this
Cook needs to stop drinking the cool aid. It appears he would rather be riding the pine on some crappy NBA roster than improving his game with the Buckeyes. I am not sure what games the NBA folks are watching, but the ones I saw Cook was on the bench when the game was on the line. If they want to pay an unproven player millions of dollars, have at it.
By manuel vann sr.
April 20, 2007 9:18 AM | Link to this
Yes, being and dunbar alumn i feel these young men made the right decision,good luck and may god bless them all.
By John Reed
April 20, 2007 9:17 AM | Link to this
They are making the right decisions exactly. Nothing more needs to be said about Oden. Conley will go now as a top ten pick. Next year with Mayo, Augustine, Lawson and Rose could be a tougher guard year. Conley’s stock would not go up next year against those guys after playing a year on a team without Oden. Cook will have a tough decision that will be based on his workouts. If he has an indication that he will go in round one, he’s gone. Otherwise, he’ll come back, start and improve.
By rp BUCKmurphy
April 20, 2007 9:00 AM | Link to this
Anyone not mentally retarded knows these kids made the best decision for their lives and the lives of their family members, anyone not happy for them is a self centered, jealous loser in life.
By dickg
April 20, 2007 8:43 AM | Link to this
It is obvious that they have not learned much in their brief lives. The answer to the question did they make the right decision: No, No, No.
By Melanie
April 20, 2007 8:29 AM | Link to this
I think these young men should spend a little more time in college. It’s not the degree or the big bucks, it’s the maturity level. Everybody can’t be Lebron. I just don’t think these guys are ready for the big bad world of the NBA. I just pray that these young men and their families will weigh all the aspects of this decision, not just the possibility of all the money they might make.
By Jerry Blake Jr.
April 20, 2007 8:22 AM | Link to this
I support these three young men’s decision because this is what they’ve worked for since AAU basketball, and if they play one more year at Ohio State chances are someone might have an injury that could ruin their career. I wish the three the best of luck and Daequan (Cook) I’m behind you all the way because I’m from Dayton and it makes me feel good that somebody made it from the Gem City. God bless you young men.
By Terrence
April 20, 2007 8:17 AM | Link to this
They all could use some work they’re only 19 years old. Oden is a lock no matter when he decides to leave, so I dont think it matters if its this year or next. Conley and Cook need to realize guards are expendable, you really have to have all asspects of your game together. As long as they dont sign with an agent yet(Conley’s father) going to workout for teams wont hurt.
By Jack
April 20, 2007 8:14 AM | Link to this
While I would like to see them get another year of maturity, I have to say that I think they’re doing the right thing. Oden will definitely go high in the draft. This looks to be a weak year for guards so Conley and Cook could also do well, by not signing with an agent if the situation isn’t to their liking they can return to school. I wish all three of them the best of luck and great careers.
By EDB
April 20, 2007 7:58 AM | Link to this
I think Cook needs more time to develop not only his skills but his body. I think the money will be there, but the fact remains that he is not quite ready to battle night in and night out on the level of the NBA.
By jerry
April 20, 2007 7:56 AM | Link to this
All 3 of these kids have made a HUGE MISTAKE…the $$$$$$ will be there for 2008…ONE MORE year of maturity would have been to their benefit…D.Cook, defnately needs to stay at OSU, G.Oden phyiscally could use another year to mature and M.Conley JR..MAYBE..is the only one, who MAY…be ready! JMO…
By Steven E Miller
April 20, 2007 7:44 AM | Link to this
I would say yes because the main reason most atheletes go to college is to hit it big in professional sports and with the millions of dollars that a few fortunate individuals are afforded, you can always go back to college and finish your degree, if you want.