By Adam Kiefaber
Ohio State freshman guard Daequan Cook still hasn’t signed with an agent. Should he come to his senses and return to Columbus for his sophomore season. Let’s say, he is drafted this season in the late first round. That would make Cook a backup on a good team for multiple seasons. If he went back to school and averaged 15-to-20 points a game, wouldn’t that make him a top-ten and possible NBA starter for next season? What do you think?
However, Cook is expected to sign with Mike Conley Sr.
Cook and Mike Conley Jr. are opting not to sign with Conley Sr. until after the withdrawal date (June 18th) just in case either suffers a major injury. Former Buckeye teammate Greg Oden has already signed with Conley Sr.
Cook played well early last season, scoring in double figures in seven of the first eight games while Oden was out with a wrist injury. His play diminished during NCAA tournament play, which was the reason many Buckeye fans question his 
departure for the NBA. Cook had under 10 minutes of playing time in the Buckeyes biggest tournament games; eight against Tennessee in Sweet 16, seven against Georgetown in the Final Four and nine in the National Championship game against Florida.
Cook struggled during Wednesday’s during the pre-draft camp in Lake Buena Vista Florida. He shot 30% and scored six points and committed eight turnovers in 20 minutes.
However, Cook dominated on Friday when he scored 22 points on 9-of-15 shooting (3-of-4 on 3-pointers).
ESPN’s Andy Katz believed Cook to be the only lock in the pre-draft camp last week to go in the first round, regardless of play. However, I believe Cook wasn’t a lock, but should be after Friday’s play.
Dunbar assistant Albert Powell schedules Cook’s private workouts said Portland, San Antonio, Phoenix, Seattle and Orlando all called soon after Friday’s performance.
If Cook sticks with his plan to go to the NBA, Ohio State will have lost five or their top six scorers. Those scorers include Cook, Conley Jr., Oden and seniors Ron Lewis and Ivan Harris.
The question remains, should Cook go pro? If he stayed a season and dominated the big ten, couldn’t he be a top ten pick? You have to figure he would have to sit on the bench for a couple of seasons once he is drafted. So is this a dumb move by Cook?
5 comments ↓
I think Cook should “dip out” of the draft, come back and play with the Bucks, ala Randolph Morris @ UK last year. What ever the loophole Morris found Cook should also exploit. He could then be a free agent as soon as the season was over and sign his own free agent deal woth the team of his choosing
Morris found a loophole because he didn’t hire an agent. If a player is taken in the first round they’re guaranteed a contract, otherwise the player is guaranteed nothing. Ohio State fans should be hoping that Cook won’t be drafted in the first round that way he will come back. It is a deep draft, but Cook should taken in the first just based on talent.
The following was reported by the Dayton Daily News
By Mark Gokavi
Staff Writer
Saturday, June 16, 2007
When you drain 22-of-25 3-pointers — from NBA range — you’re staying in the draft.
Ohio State freshman and Dunbar High School graduate Daequan Cook made that official Friday. Cook, who has had nine workouts in front of about half the NBA teams, had until Monday to withdraw his name from the June 28th draft.
“There’s no question I’m going to stay in it,” Cook said. “I’m confident coming out of all these workouts. Just hearing from the GMs, I’m in a good position.”
In a Friday workout for the Philadelphia 76ers, Cook said he hit 65-of-75 shots overall and a blistering 22-of-25 from beyond the 23-foot, 9-inch arc.
“I lit it up real good today,” he said. “All these places I’m going to (for workouts), they want a great shooter, and I’ve got to perform. … You’ve got to knock down open shots.”
Dunbar assistant Albert Powell said he’s basically been “assured” in discussions with NBA teams that Cook will be a first-round (top 30) draft pick. That means a multi-year contract and guaranteed money.
“It’s looking good for me,” Cook said. “Teams around picks 24 to 27 really can’t guarantee (selecting) me because they feel like I’m not going to be there when they pick. Hearing stuff like that makes me feel real good.”
The 6-foot-5 guard also said he’ll sign with agent Mike Conley Sr., the father of OSU teammate Mike Conley Jr.
“I think I’ll sign with him Sunday or Monday, whenever he gets in town,” said Cook, who returned to Dayton on Friday. “He’s in Chicago with his son at a workout for the Bulls.”
Cook still has workouts scheduled with Utah, San Antonio, Portland, Golden State and Miami. After that, he hopes to hear his name called on draft night.
“I’m feeling good right now,” Cook said. “I feel like I made the right decision.”
If he gets drafted in the first round, more power to him. Many people think he should come back, just because he is not at his potential. If he can get first round money, he’s got to go
[…] Buckeye fans question the choice Daequan Cook has made by leaving Ohio State for the NBA (seeShould Daequan Cook Dip Out of NBA Draft?). According to the mock drafts (14 of 16 have listed picks past the top 14), Cook draft position […]
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