Story by
Former HBCU star makes NBA debut in loss to Bulls
- Story by
- Former HBCU star makes NBA debut in loss to Bulls
The post Former HBCU star makes NBA debut in loss to Bulls appeared first on ClutchPoints .
In the Bulls' thrilling 122-121 victory over the Trail Blazers , an HBCU star made his debut. Former Winston-Salem State guard Javonte Cooke logged minutes for the Blazers in their bid to score another key victory. He finished the game with four points, one assist, and a steal. The moment, though brief, is huge for both Cooke and HBCU sports as a whole. Cooke is the first HBCU alumnus to touch the NBA hardwood since Robert Covington , and Cooke's talent can surely make him a rotational player for the Blazers as they make a serious playoff push out West.
Advertisement
Cook was a standout for the Winston-Salem State Rams in the CIAA, a blueblood HBCU hoops program. In the 2021-2022 season, he averaged 17.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and nearly 40% shooting from three-point range. A standout moment in his college career was during the CIAA Tournament when he scored a season-high 31 points, propelling WSSU to a decisive victory. Prior to his time at WSSU, Cook played for USC-Aiken and Mars Hill University.
After his time at the college level, Cooke signed with the Iowa Wolves for the 2022-23 season and went on to join the Minnesota Timberwolves for the 2023 NBA Summer League. Despite a slow beginning, he concluded the summer league with consecutive double-digit scoring games, highlighted by a team-leading 16 points against the Charlotte Hornets . He then signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the eventual NBA Champion Oklahoma City Thunder in 2024.
Per Yahoo Sports, an Exhibit 10 contract is a one-year agreement with a minimum salary that is not guaranteed. It may also feature an optional bonus of up to $75,000, awarded if a player, after being waived, spends at least 60 days with a team's G League affiliate. Following that, he was signed to a two-way contract by the Portland Trail Blazers .
In a quote obtained by HBCU Gameday, Cook offered simple advice to HBCU players looking to forge the same journey he did.
Related: Coco Jones, Metro Boomin, plus more headline inaugural HBCU Awarefest
Related: Can Bethune-Cookman restore order in the Florida Classic vs. Florida A&M?
