When Supreme Cook committed to play at Georgetown, it was a complete shock to Hoyas Nation. While the East Orange, New Jersey native was heavily rumored to be heading home to Seton Hall, Ed Cooley desperately needed a center and he silently zeroed in on his former program’s product.
But rewind to 2020 and Cook was an unranked, 0-star recruit who only had four low major offers to his name. He committed to play at Fairfield and over the next three years he steadily improved, proving that despite his size and athleticism, he could make a positive impact on both sides of the floor. Now, after a Third Team All-MAAC appearance last year, he is primed for a power conference breakout as he looks to be a major contributor for the Hoyas this season.
Supreme Cook is a true 5. While fans might see his 6’9 frame and scream power forward (or even small forward), he’s more of a classic, back-to-the-basket center who is able to control the paint and run the offense through the block, if needed. He should be able to provide the team with efficient post-up scoring, using a slew of spin moves and pump fakes to finish around the rim. While his size may limit his rebounding abilities at times, he’s also proved to be a strong offensive rebounder, playing with ferocity on the offensive glass.
Generally speaking, “up transfers,” or players moving from lower levels to power conferences, are always difficult to assess, and going from the MAAC to the Big East will make this no exception. While facing bigs like Ryan Kalkbrenner, Donovan Clingan, and Joel Soriano on any given night will be a massive challenge, Cook has proven himself very able to play up to the competition. Last season, in his two games against Power 6 teams, he put up 13 and 19 points, while shooting over 60% in both contests. Most of his points in these games came from the low post, and his 19 point game came against a fellow Big East team, Xavier, where he proved himself more than worthy of sharing the court with All-Big East players like Zach Freemantle and Jack Nunge.
So even though Supreme Cook is an up-transfer and not your typical Big East center, he joins the Hoyas by filling a major hole in their backcourt. Besides, Ed Cooley has an immaculate track record of developing centers with a similar play style to Cook’s, so there is no reason why we won’t see another year of improvement.
Overall, Supreme Cook was one of the better additions from this offseason and we should expect to see him starting from day one. While there will be an adjustment period, especially when it comes to Big East play, fans should expect an efficient and consistent contributor who will play with a high motor each night.
Oh, and the cherry on top: he might have one of the best names in college basketball history. He’s coming for you, Chief Kickingstallionsims.
