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ISU basketball gets 2011 commitment
By Courtney Linehan
Date Posted: 2009-08-22
Elgin Cook hadn’t even left Ames on Saturday before deciding he wanted to come back.
Cook was in town for an unofficial visit with the Iowa State basketball program, and on Friday he committed to the Cyclones, becoming the first member of the 2011 recruiting class.
“Iowa State was the only program that talked more to me about my grades than actual basketball,” Cook said of his reason for committing.
The 6-foot-6 forward from Milwaukee, Wis., spent the summer touring several Division I colleges’ camps, including stops at Marquette, Michigan State and Colorado. But during his trip to ISU’s Elite Camp in June, Cook reconnected with fellow Milwaukee natives Antwon Oliver and Diante Garrett. He also stayed in touch with ISU assistant coach T.J. Otzelberger, who grew up in Milwaukee and attended UW-Whitewater.
Cook said his biggest strengths on the court are his work ethic and ability to hold a defense while also penetrating on offense. In the two years before he begins college, though, he hopes to improve his strength and shooting.
Cook is the first commitment ISU has picked up in the 2011 recruiting class. The Cyclones have no verbal commitments from 2010 players—Jamie Vanderbeken and Marquis Gilstrap are scheduled to graduated this year, opening two scholarships—but Sioux City point guard Wesley Staten is already committed in the class of 2012.
Iowa State was Cook’s first scholarship offer, although he was already picking up attention at the state level during his sophomore season. Recruiting Web sites Rivals.com and Hoop Scoop rank him as one of the top 150 players in the class of 2011. His Hamilton High School team finished 19-4, losing in the sectional final to Oliver’s high school.
“I know Antwon and Diante,” Cook said. “I’m actually pretty good friends with both of them, just being from Milwaukee and being around basketball.”
While he also received interest from Florida State, Oregon State and Providence, Cook said he felt no need to hold off before making a verbal commitment. He said Garrett and Oliver described ISU as a good school academically.
In the end, the connections and proximity to home pushed the Cyclones over the top.
“Iowa is not far from Milwaukee,” he said, “and I just think that’s the place for me.”
Courtney Linehan can be reached at (515) 663-6930, or clinehan@amestrib.com.
Getting to know Elgin Cook
Basketball hero: LeBron James. I like the way he plays.
Favorite movie: Saw.
Favorite breakfast food: Eggs and bacon.
Secret talent: I’m a good driver.
People don’t know: I have a good sense of humor.
By Courtney Linehan
Date Posted: 2009-08-22
Elgin Cook hadn’t even left Ames on Saturday before deciding he wanted to come back.
Cook was in town for an unofficial visit with the Iowa State basketball program, and on Friday he committed to the Cyclones, becoming the first member of the 2011 recruiting class.
“Iowa State was the only program that talked more to me about my grades than actual basketball,” Cook said of his reason for committing.
The 6-foot-6 forward from Milwaukee, Wis., spent the summer touring several Division I colleges’ camps, including stops at Marquette, Michigan State and Colorado. But during his trip to ISU’s Elite Camp in June, Cook reconnected with fellow Milwaukee natives Antwon Oliver and Diante Garrett. He also stayed in touch with ISU assistant coach T.J. Otzelberger, who grew up in Milwaukee and attended UW-Whitewater.
Cook said his biggest strengths on the court are his work ethic and ability to hold a defense while also penetrating on offense. In the two years before he begins college, though, he hopes to improve his strength and shooting.
Cook is the first commitment ISU has picked up in the 2011 recruiting class. The Cyclones have no verbal commitments from 2010 players—Jamie Vanderbeken and Marquis Gilstrap are scheduled to graduated this year, opening two scholarships—but Sioux City point guard Wesley Staten is already committed in the class of 2012.
Iowa State was Cook’s first scholarship offer, although he was already picking up attention at the state level during his sophomore season. Recruiting Web sites Rivals.com and Hoop Scoop rank him as one of the top 150 players in the class of 2011. His Hamilton High School team finished 19-4, losing in the sectional final to Oliver’s high school.
“I know Antwon and Diante,” Cook said. “I’m actually pretty good friends with both of them, just being from Milwaukee and being around basketball.”
While he also received interest from Florida State, Oregon State and Providence, Cook said he felt no need to hold off before making a verbal commitment. He said Garrett and Oliver described ISU as a good school academically.
In the end, the connections and proximity to home pushed the Cyclones over the top.
“Iowa is not far from Milwaukee,” he said, “and I just think that’s the place for me.”
Courtney Linehan can be reached at (515) 663-6930, or clinehan@amestrib.com.
Getting to know Elgin Cook
Basketball hero: LeBron James. I like the way he plays.
Favorite movie: Saw.
Favorite breakfast food: Eggs and bacon.
Secret talent: I’m a good driver.
People don’t know: I have a good sense of humor.
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