SG Daequan Cook (Ironi Hai Motors Nes-Ziona - Israel)

[Buckskin86]

Reserve guard Daequan Cook left after his freshman season at Ohio State and was chosen No. 21 overall in 2007.

?It would change my thinking dramatically,? Cook said of having to declare without a CBA in place. ?With all that?s going on, it?d be a hard decision. To be on the safe side, you could go back to college and be even more productive. Once you make a decision, you?ve really got to stick with it.

?If I was in that position, I would probably stay (in school), more than likely. If you don?t get a paycheck, you?re still living your college life, so why not go back to college, actually play ball, and then just come back the following year??

Read more: http://newsok.com/nba-draft-decisio...an-ever-in-2011/article/3574857#ixzz1OaItS1DG

 

[Buckskin86]

Things looking up for Dunbar grad Daequan Cook
By Doug Harris, Staff Writer
Wednesday, June 15, 2011

Lisa Powell/Staff Daequan Cook tussles with a young camp participant during the first day of the Daequan Cook Basketball Skills Camp on Monday at the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Dayton. Cook, a Dunbar High School graduate, plays basketball with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Lisa Powell/Staff The first day of the Daequan Cook Basketball Skills Camp was held Monday June 13 at the Ray and Joan Kroc Corps Community Center in Dayton. Cook, a Dunbar High School graduate, plays basketball with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Daequan Cook just wrapped up his third year of running his youth basketball skills camp, attracting 138 grade-school students to an all-day session Monday at the Salvation Army Kroc Center on Keowee St. and about 100 high school players Tuesday.

The Dunbar High School grad and current Oklahoma City Thunder guard doesn?t just lend his name to the event or make an obligatory appearance. He insists on taking a hands-on approach.

But Cook gets almost as much out of returning home to share his hoop experience as those wide-eyed campers do from interacting with him.

?I have support not only from family, but from kids who look up to me,? he said. ?They know the game ? and not just the game, but a lot about me.

?The Internet is amazing. ... Growing up, I didn?t know very much. I just knew Michael Jordan and that he could jump real high. That was it. But now, they know your whole bio.?

Cook just finished his fourth year in the NBA and his first with the Thunder, who reached the Western Conference finals before losing to the eventual champion Dallas Mavericks.

After seldom playing through the first half of the season, the 6-foot-5 Cook ended up shooting a career-high 43.6 percent on 3-pointers and was a factor in the playoffs, appearing in all 17 games and reaching double figures three times, including a high of 18 points against the Memphis Grizzlies.

?Once you get the opportunity, it changes a lot of things,? he said. ?Your confidence gets better. You become more involved. Sometimes, when you?re not involved or playing as much, you don?t feel as close to the team. Getting the opportunity, you show your coach what you can do, and it helps the camaraderie between you and the team. You feel like you?re a part of it.

?The exit meeting (with the Thunder) was, ?It was a great year.? I contributed, and me not giving up ? knowing I didn?t play the first 27 games ? and sticking with it showed a lot about myself and my maturity.?

Cook?s season average dipped to 5.6 points from a pro-best of 9.1 in his second year while playing with the Miami Heat, and the late-season surge could do wonders for his career.

After earning $2.1 million this season, he?s a restricted free agent for 2011-12, meaning the Thunder probably can expect competition for his services (they can keep him by matching any other offers).

Cont...

http://www.daytondailynews.com/dayt...-up-for-dunbar-grad-daequan-cook-1185204.html

 

[Buckskin86]

Daequan Cook wants to return to OKC
Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Daequan Cook wants to stick around for a second season with the Oklahoma City Thunder.

One of only two players in the Thunder's rotation who isn't under contract for next season, Cook is hoping to be back after showing what he can do off the bench late last season.

"I love it here. Great fans and I fit pretty good here," Cook said Thursday during an appearance at one of the Thunder's summer basketball camps for kids.

"I had a very good year and contributed to the team to the extent that the team let me out there," he said. "I feel pretty good about having the opportunity or getting the chance to be back here next year."

Cook was picked up in a trade last offseason with the Miami Heat and eventually moved into a reserve role for Oklahoma City on its way to the Western Conference finals. He averaged 5.6 points in 43 regular-season games last season and then appeared in all 17 of the Thunder's playoff games.

Cook impressed coach Scott Brooks and general manager Sam Presti by continuing to work during an early-season stretch when he didn't play in 34 straight games. He had started the season 3-for-16 from 3-point range and then brought in a shooting coach and put in extra work at a closed gym while trying to work his way back into the rotation.

"He's not a guy that got a ton of opportunity but was ready and prepared when that opportunity came about," Presti said after the Thunder got knocked out of the Western Conference finals by the eventual NBA champion Dallas Mavericks.

Cont..

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/news/story?id=6670592

Cook Underscores Importance of Teamwork During Camp Visit
By KARINA HENDERSON | for THUNDER.NBA.COM
Even the littlest of kids at this week?s Thunder Youth Basketball Camp, presented by Cox Communications, seemed to know what Daequan Cook is most known for on the court: shooting threes.

During Cook?s visit on Thursday, one of the campers stumped the Thunder guard when he asked how many three-pointers Cook had attempted during his time with the team.

?I have no idea,? Cook replied.

Makes sense ? he just needs to shoot them, not count them.

Cook spent Thursday afternoon answering some questions and playing some hoops with kids ages 5-16 attending the Thunder?s second week-long camp of the summer.

When the camp coaches put him in charge of the kids, grouped by age, Cook took over and had some fun. The youngest campers all got high-fives. Older children dove ? repeatedly ? for the ball while running a defensive drill, with Cook grinning every time he made them fall forward (then making them do it again). The top age group swarmed around Cook as he attempted some threes, with the player calling a few out for fouling when he missed.

?I was just having a lot of fun with the kids,? he later said.

Cont...

http://www.nba.com/thunder/news/thunder_camp_cook_110616.html

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uTCLw1pXc5g"]YouTube - ‪Daequan Cook visits Thunder Youth Basketball Camp June 16, 2011‬‏[/ame]

 

[Buckskin86]

Next step for Thunder, Daequan Cook would be for OKC to extend qualifying offer

BY JOHN ROHDE Staff Writer [email protected] Comment on this article 0
Published: June 17, 2011

For shooting guard Daequan Cook to become a restricted free agent, the Oklahoma City Thunder must extend him a qualifying offer for next season.

NBA BASKETBALL TEAM: DAEQUAN COOK poses for a photo during the Oklahoma City Thunder media day on Monday, Sept. 27, 2010, in Oklahoma City, Okla.
Photo by Chris Landsberger, The Oklahoman ORG XMIT: KOD

Next step for Thunder, Daequan Cook would be for OKC to extend qualifying offer

The deadline to make an offer is June 30, the final day of the NBA's existing collective bargaining agreement. All signs point to the Thunder tending Cook a one-year offer for $3,126,764.

Both sides have spoken glowingly of each other since the season ended with a 4-1 series loss in the Western Conference Finals against the eventual world champion Dallas Mavericks.

On multiple occasions this week, Cook has expressed his desire to remain with the Northwest Division champion Thunder.

"Like I've always said, I love it here. Who wouldn't?" Cook said Thursday during an appearance at the Thunder Youth Basketball Camp at the Santa Fe Family Life Center.

Once the Thunder's qualifying offer has been extended to Cook, he can:

1. Accept the terms, play next season for the Thunder and become an unrestricted free agent when the qualifying offer ends.

2. Sign an offer sheet with a new team. The Thunder will have seven days to match the principal terms of that offer. If the Thunder does not exercise its right of first refusal, Cook's offer sheet becomes an official contract with the new team.

If the Thunder does not tender Cook a qualifying offer by the end of this month, he will become an unrestricted free agent on July 1 and OKC will have lost its right to match another team's offer sheet.

Cook's agent is Mike Conley Sr., the father of Memphis Grizzlies point guard Mike Conley, who was Cook's teammate their freshman season at Ohio State four years ago. Conley Sr. said he has received inquiries from several teams interested in the 6-foot-5, 205-pound Cook.

"He's the one negotiating," Cook said of his agent, "but at the end of the day, it's about where I feel comfortable. It's a decision I have to make, regardless of where it's at and for how long."

Cont...

Read more: http://newsok.com/next-step-for-thu...ualifying-offer/article/3578111#ixzz1PcxJ9APh

 

[Buckskin86]

Thunder makes Daequan Cook a restricted free agent
BY DARNELL MAYBERRY, Staff Writer
Published: June 27, 2011

The Oklahoma City Thunder on Monday extended Daequan Cook a qualifying offer, which officially makes the sharpshooting guard a restricted free agent this summer.

The team had until June 30 to exercise the option. By doing so, the Thunder now has the right to match any contract offer Cook might receive from another team this summer.

Cook, entering his fifth season out of Ohio State, on numerous occasions has voiced his desire to return to the Thunder next season. The feeling is believed to be mutual on the part of the organization.

In 43 games, Cook averaged 5.6 points while connecting on a career-high 42.2 percent of his 3-point attempts in just 13.9 minutes per game. Cook's perimeter shooting was a sorely needed asset at times for the Thunder throughout the regular season and postseason.

Cook impressed the Thunder's coaching staff and front office with his ability to both play through adversity and knock down shots in limited minutes. Cook was relegated to the bench for 34 straight games during a stretch that spanned more than two months from mid-November to mid-January. That benching came after he started the season 3-for-16 from 3-point range.

But Cook averaged 6.4 points on 45 percent shooting from behind the 3-point line upon his return to the rotation. His effectiveness provided a much needed boost to a Thunder team that was one of the worst 3-point shooting teams early in the season. With Cook in the lineup for most of the second half of the season, the Thunder shot 36.6 percent from 3-point range after the All-Star break, three percentage points higher than its pre All-Star average.

?He's not a guy that got a ton of opportunity but was ready and prepared when that opportunity came about,? Thunder general manager Sam Presti said of Cook at the end of the season.

Because of the NBA's expiring collective bargaining agreement, teams cannot come to terms on new contracts with players until a new labor agreement is reached.

Read more: http://newsok.com/thunder-makes-daequan-cook-a-restricted-free-agent/article/3580833#ixzz1QXXab9hD

 

[Buckskin86]

Daequan Cook still staying in Oklahoma City, even if he's not playing for OKC
THUNDER ? Free agent guard Daequan Cook remains open to the idea of returning to the Oklahoma City Thunder but is caught in lockout limbo.
BY JOHN ROHDE, Staff Writer, [email protected]
Published: September 28, 2011

No member of last year's Thunder team has spent more time in Oklahoma City during the NBA lockout than shooting guard Daequan Cook.

Daequan Cook still staying in Oklahoma City, even if he's not playing for OKC

What makes this particularly interesting is the fact Cook no longer is on the Thunder roster. Not yet, anyway.

Cook is the only unsigned player from last year's Thunder roster. The 14 other players are under contract, including late-season signee Robert Vaden. Also unsigned is 2011 first-round draft choice Reggie Jackson of Boston College.

Cook is a restricted free agent and can sign with any team that offers him a contract, but no free agent or rookie can sign until the NBA's new collective bargaining agreement is finalized.

"This summer has been real tough for me," Cook said of being in double limbo with the lockout and free agency. "The good thing is I got to state my case during my exit meeting (on May 27) with (Thunder general manager) Sam Presti."

cont...

Read more: http://newsok.com/daequan-cook-stil...playing-for-okc/article/3608437#ixzz1ZLSl0xwJ

 

[Buckskin86]

Daequan Cook, Ohio State (G, Oklahoma City Thunder) "Mike Conley and Greg Oden were my AAU teammates from the second grade. We grew up together, played together from then on. We never really talked about the age rule, because when it happened we were still really young. We still had a lot of learning, so it didn't really affect us as much. We knew that our goal, our dream was to play in the NBA, we just didn't know how long it would take. So then when we realized we had to go to school, we made the decision to play together at the college level. That helped. I do think LeBron had an effect on them making a rule. There were a lot of guys who probably weren't going to go to college at the time, who wanted to go straight to the pros, and I guess they felt like guys like LeBron should go to college at least a year. There ain't nothing wrong with getting a year of college."

http://espn.go.com/mens-college-bas...other-players-nba-one-year-rule-espn-magazine

 

[Buckskin86]

The Thunder must also make a decision on whether to re-sign restricted free agent Daequan Cook. Both sides have expressed interest in getting a deal done.

?Daequan's a player that we had with us last year, and we're going to have conversations with his representatives,? Presti said. ?He's earned the right to be a free agent, and we're going to work through that process with him and understand what's there.?

Read more: http://newsok.com/thunder-sam-prest...estbrooks-agent/article/3627991#ixzz1fHttg2t2

 

[Buckskin86]

Restricted free agent Daequan Cook could be forced to miss the start of camp, as well as rookie Reggie Jackson, the 24th overall pick.

The Thunder has been in discussions with Cook's representatives about a contract extension. But with the signing period beginning at 1 p.m., and practice scheduled to start at 3 p.m., it appears unlikely a deal will be completed in time for Cook to join the team. Because of uncertainty with rules contained within a collective bargaining agreement that was ratified on Thursday night, Jackson also is at risk of not being able to participate in the opening practice.

Read more: http://newsok.com/nate-robinson-not-returning-to-thunder/article/3630441#ixzz1g2qqn0HU

 

[Buckskin86]

Thunder re-sign Daequan Cook
Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY -- All-Stars Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook will be surrounded by all the usual suspects as the Oklahoma City Thunder try to follow a trip to the conference finals with another deep playoff run.

The Thunder locked up the final missing piece from last season's 10-man rotation, agreeing Friday to a two-year, $6.5 million deal with guard Daequan Cook. General manager Sam Presti confirmed the move late Friday night, saying the deal "will keep Daequan a part of our core group moving forward."

"I'm happy for him, first of all. To have him back on our team is big," Durant said. "A guy that worked so hard this summer. His role for us last year kind of grew toward the end of the season.

"I'm looking forward to seeing that kind of progress and build off that energy he had leaving the season last year, coming into this year."

cont...

http://espn.go.com/nba/story/_/id/7...hunder-re-sign-daequan-cook-two-year-65m-deal

 

[Buckskin86]

Daequan Cook's 3-point barrage helps Thunder reach 5-0
Associated Press

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Russell Westbrook and the Oklahoma City Thunder keep showing they know how to finish a year in style.

Westbrook scored 18 points, Daequan Cook hit four 3-pointers in quick succession to help Oklahoma City pull away in the first half and the Thunder led wire to wire in a 107-97 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Saturday night.

http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/recap?gameId=311231025

 

[Buckskin86]

Daequan Cook is slipping. Cook went 1-for-4 from 3-point range last night, and is now just 2-for-10 from deep in his past three games. After a blistering five games in December in which he made 12 of 21 3-pointers and averaged 7.6 points, Cook has made just 3-of-15 3-pointers in five January games and is averaging only 2.2 points this month. The turning point was that darned bug that knocked Cook out of the game at Dallas because of what the team called flu-like symptoms. Cook returned with goggles to reduce headaches and nausea and apparently could neither see nor shoot straight with them. Nevertheless, Thunder coach Scott Brooks has given Cook 19.8 minutes per game this month. Some of that has to do with two blowouts. But Cook needs to be careful because Lazar Hayward is waiting in the wings if Cook falls into a rut. But Cook has the ability to go on a tear at any moment. Besides, by now Brooks knows the threat of Cook?s sharp-shooting alone assists the Thunder?s offense. And, at times, Cook?s presence is a necessity if only to spread the floor and keep the defense honest. Still, keep an eye on Cook?s shooting.

http://blog.newsok.com/thunderrumblings/2012/01/11/five-thoughts-from-tuesdays-game/

 

[Buckskin86]

Thunder: Daequan Cook proves to skeptics that he can play defense
Thunder teammate Thabo Sefolosha said: ?He's an underrated defensive player. He can do a lot of things on the court that people don't even know about ? grabbing rebounds, help defense, one-on-one defense. Tonight, he showed a lot of things we're not used to seeing about of him.?
BY JOHN ROHDE, Staff Writer, [email protected]
Published: February 3, 2012

There is nothing subtle about Daequan Cook's long-range shooting, which frequently resembles daggers thrown at opponents from 10 paces.

When Cook was named the replacement for injured starter Thabo Sefolosha, many assumed the Thunder would simply take whatever points Cook provided and the team would deal with his defensive shortcomings as best it could.

Guess again. What actually earned Cook a starting role at the off-guard spot was his subtle effectiveness on defense.

Non-believers need only look at Cook's not-so-subtle defensive contribution Friday night in the Thunder's pulsating 101-94 comeback victory over the Memphis Grizzlies at Chesapeake Energy Arena.

Cook had seven rebounds and tied a career-high with three blocked shots. He alternated hounding Tony Allen and O.J. Mayo on defense for 32 minutes while occasionally lending help-and-recover assists of defensive variety to needy teammates.

?DC was all over the ball, all over the floor,? OKC coach Scott Brooks said afterward.

cont...

Read more: http://newsok.com/thunder-daequan-c...an-play-defense/article/3646272#ixzz1lQGY7x6t

[ame="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYroCcvC9yM"]Thunder pound Pistons - YouTube[/ame]

 

[Buckskin86]

Daequan Cook - G/F - OKC - Feb. 8

Daequan Cook hit 6-of-8 shots and five 3-pointers on his way to a season-high 17 points, along with three rebounds, in Tuesday's win.
Cook is starting at shooting guard in place of Thabo Sefolosha and is hot. He's hit double figures in two of his last three games, but has done so in just three games this season. But he's also hit 17 threes in his last six games, and should continue to do so until Sefolosha is back from his foot injury.

http://www.rotoworld.com/content/pl...news.asp?sport=NBA&id=1377&line=171049&spln=1

 

[Buckskin86]

Daequan Cook has become a dependable scorer in Thabo?s void. In the seven games since Sefolosha was sidelined, Cook has averaged 9.8 points a game and shot 45.3 percent from the field. In the other 18 games this season, Cook averaged 4.6 points and 37.7 percent shooting.

If Cook can maintain that kind of production when Sefolosha returns, maybe the injury was worth it. Everyone wants the Thunder to have a fourth scorer, well here you go. Cook at 9.8 points a game is a heck of a player. His playing time will go down with Sefolosha?s return, but perhaps not significantly. Scotty Brooks has been playing a smaller lineup more and more down the stretch. That could continue, even with Sefolosha?s return. Cook has averaged 30 minutes a game the last seven games; no reason for Cook to start playing the 14-15 minutes a game he was averaging before Sefolosha?s injury.

http://blog.newsok.com/berrytramel/2012/02/10/oklahoma-city-thunder-missing-thabo-sefolosha/