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Who is Brian Cook?
Brian Cook is a former American basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association for twelve seasons (NBA). Brian Cook began his NBA career after being picked with the 24th overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers.
He played for the Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Clippers, among others.
Brian was a college basketball star prior to the NBA draft.
The athlete is one of the University of Illinois’ most decorated players, and he was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2016.
Cook was also a player who could play beyond the arc and was renowned as an NBA three-point specialist.
Brian also represented the United States in the 2001 FIBA U21 World Championship, where he guided the team to victory.
Brian also played in Lebanon’s Basketball League and Japan’s National Basketball League.
In 2015, he announced his retirement from professional basketball.
Brian Cook | Childhood and Education
Brian Joshua Cook was born in Lincoln, Illinois, on December 4, 1980.
Norman Cook (father) and Joyce Cook (mother) raised him (mother).
His father was a University of Kansas All-American who briefly played for the Boston Celtics.
Joe Cook, his uncle, also played basketball at Duke University.
Cook also has two younger sisters, Kristina Cook and Natasha Cook.
Natasha is his half-sister from his mother’s former relationship, whilst Kristina is his biological sister.
Despite the fact that Cook’s father inspired him to play basketball, Brian endured the trauma of an abusive father.
Norman, his father, was cruel to his mother and would severely beat her. Brian and his sister used to shield their mother from his father’s abuse.
It was a horrible experience for both of them because they were so young and had no idea how to react.
As a result, Brian harbored a grudge against his father from a young age.
He had no contact with his father when his mother divorced him.
In addition, Brian’s father was diagnosed with a mental condition, paranoid schizophrenia, and died on December 22, 2008, at Lincoln Memorial Medical Center, of an unexplained reason.
His mother raised him and his sisters on public assistance while working many jobs.
Cook adores his mum and considers her to be his best friend.
Brian went to Lincoln Community High School and graduated from the University of Illinois.
Height, weight, and age
Brian Cook is 41 years old and was born in 1980. Sagittarius is the sign of those born in December.
Furthermore, Brian was born in Lincoln, Illinois, and considers himself to be an African-American.
Joyce, his mother, is white, and Norman, his father, is black. Brian experienced racism as a child due to his mixed race.
But he always handled it maturely. When people made fun of him for being black, he would tell them he was half their color as well.
Cook is also 6 ft 9 in (2.06 m) tall and weighs about 234 lb (106 kg).
Early Career | Brian Cook
Cook attended Lincoln Community High School and was a member of the Railsplitters basketball team.
He led the team to the quarterfinals of the 1999 Illinois High School Association Class AA state boys basketball championship.
As a result, he was named a McDonald’s All-American in 1999 and was named to the all-tournament team at the 1998 State Farm Holiday Classic.
In addition, he was named Mr. Basketball of Illinois in 1999.
Cook was elected into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2016.
Cook played college basketball for the University of Illinois after a stellar high school career.
Cook was also a terrific scorer who could hit three-pointers with ease.
As a result, he shared the Big Ten Freshman of the Year award.
In addition, he received numerous titles and awards, including Big Ten Conference Most Valuable Player, Big Ten Player of the Year, and first-team All-Big Ten.
Cook also graduated as Illinois’ third all-time leading scorer, with 1,748 total points and an average of 13.2 points per game.
Cook’s jersey was one of thirty-three honored jerseys at the State Farm Center in 2008.
He was recognized as the most accomplished basketball player in University of Illinois history.
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Brian Cook | Professional Experience
Brian Cook was selected by the Los Angeles Lakers with the 24th overall choice in the 2003 NBA Draft.
Brian began as a backup player and saw limited playing time.
However, as his professional career proceeded, he established himself as a player capable of playing outside the perimeter.
Cook was mostly used as a three-point specialist. The athlete’s playing time increased, and people began to notice his abilities.
However, on November 20, 2007, he was traded to the Orlando Magic.
He spent two seasons with the Orlando Magic before joining the Houston Rockets.
He later played for the Los Angeles Clippers, Washington Wizards, and Utah Jazz, among others.
Cook also briefly played in the Lebanese Basketball League and the Japanese National Basketball League before retiring in 2015.
Brian Cook | International Experience
Cook also competed for the United States at the 2001 FIBA U21 World Championship.
He was a significant member of the USA team that won the gold medal.
The Championship was held in Saitama, Japan, where the USA team faced Croatia in the final.
Brian led the team to an 89-80 victory over Croatia.
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Achievements and Awards
- Champion of the BSN (2013)
- “Illini Men’s Basketball All-Century Team” selection (2004)
- All-American second team (2003)
- All-American third team (2003)
- Silver Basketball Award from the Chicago Tribune (2003)
- Men’s Basketball Player of the Year in the Big Ten Conference (2003)
- Preseason Wooden Award Recipient (2003)
- Freshman of the Year in the Big Ten (2000)
- McDonald’s All-American Sandwich (1999)
- Mr. Basketball of Illinois (1999)
- Parade All-American second team (1999)
Brian Cook and his family
Cook is married to Victoria Velasquez, his long-term lover. On July 4, 2009, the pair married.
Though there isn’t much information about how they met and fell in love.
Cook, on the other hand, is known to love his wife so much that he gave up his career for her.
Cook’s wife, Victoria, had cancer and required extensive care and support.
As a result, Cook left the NBA to be with his wife, who was battling cancer.
Fortunately, her wife survived cancer and is now cancer-free.
He also has a son named Caius Cook. Unfortunately, little is known about him.
Presence on Social Media
Brian Cook has a Twitter account with hundreds of followers that he has verified.
Apart from that, he has no other social media accounts.
You may connect with him by following him on Twitter.
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Salary and Net Worth
Brian Cook’s net worth is believed to be between $1 million and $5 million.
Cook’s net worth stems from his major occupation as an NBA player.
The sportsman agreed to terms with the Los Angeles Lakers on a rookie contract worth $903,360.
Then he inked contracts with the Orlando Magic and the Houston Rockets for $3,500,000 each.
Cook thus made millions of dollars as an NBA player with various teams.
