Bronny James could have dominated the headlines in his NBA Summer time League debut, however a former HBCU guard made his presence felt too.
Javonte Cooke, a G League veteran and former Winston-Salem State College standout, took the ground with the Miami Warmth Summer time League crew over the weekend. His efficiency included a stable displaying in opposition to Bronny James and the Los Angeles Lakers.Stable Weekend Exhibiting
The 6’6″ guard performed in two video games that turned heads each on the court docket and on-line. On Saturday, Cooke got here off the bench to attain eight factors in 23 minutes in opposition to the San Antonio Spurs. He additionally tallied two blocks, a steal, and 4 rebounds — displaying his skill to affect the sport defensively.
Sunday introduced a beginning function and an even bigger problem. Cooke confronted off in opposition to Bronny James and the Lakers, scoring 10 factors on 5-for-11 capturing. He additionally contributed seven rebounds, three assists, and two steals in a 103-87 loss.
G League GrowthCooke has spent three seasons within the G League. He started his skilled profession with the Iowa Wolves, the Minnesota Timberwolves’ affiliate, through the 2022-23 season. After averaging eight factors as a rookie, he almost doubled his output to 16.8 factors in 12 months two. Final season, he signed with the NBA champion Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder however performed for his or her affiliate, the OKC Blue, the place he as soon as once more averaged almost 17 factors per recreation.School Roots and CIAA Rise
A Columbia, South Carolina native, Cooke began his school journey at Mars Hill, a Division II program in North Carolina. He later transferred to Division II HBCU Winston-Salem State College. Throughout his senior season, he averaged almost 17 factors per recreation and earned All-CIAA honors. His standout play within the 2022 CIAA Match helped launch his G League profession.Making a Title
Cooke has delivered some massive performances within the G League, together with a 41-point recreation earlier this season. That sort of output is notable for any participant — particularly one from a Division II HBCU. Nonetheless, he faces stiff competitors, having performed for franchises with elite guards like Anthony Edwards and Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. Breaking into the NBA has been a problem regardless of his high-level manufacturing.
Whereas the basketball world watches Bronny James’ each transfer in Summer time League, followers of HBCU and small school hoops would do effectively to maintain tabs on Javonte Cooke.
