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Cook makes strong bonds with newfound friends
Freshman basketball player remains enthusiastic about keeping his athletic scholarship
Being deemed ineligible by the NCAA for the 2007-08 men's basketball season definitely had an impact on Da'Quan Cook.
However, it was an impact you might not expect.
After learning he would not be allowed to suit up for his freshman season, Cook began to replace his initial feelings of disappointment with new relationships between himself and other students in his class.
Cook said because he can't travel with the team, he now does things around campus with students such as his floormate, Jim Fien, who lives across the hall. Cook's eyes lit up when talking about his newfound friends, and he talked about how they are now a larger part of his life.
"It kind of changed a lot," Cook said. "Usually (the team) goes together. Now I'll go to the Hickey with someone from my class. It's a positive thing. When I'm walking, I talk to people I really never talked to before."
Fien agreed, saying Cook is more available now than he used to be.
"Whenever I see him, I say 'What's up?'" Fien said. "He's a really nice kid."
Cook said the time away from the court is ultimately helping his academics.
"It's helping me in the classroom," he said. "Now I have a lot more time to get my work done. The best thing for me is to get my academics real good this year."
He said the time off also gives his injured back time to heal, which he hurt while playing basketball in high school.
Still, Cook remains intertwined with the members of this year's Bonnies team.
He says he is 100 percent behind the Bonnies, hanging out with the players off the court and rooting for them when they're on it.
"It hurt me a lot (not to play with my teammates), but the best I can do is just be there and support them," Cook said.
Cook has confidence in the team, saying the factions between upperclassmen and freshmen that were apparent at the beginning of season are united now.
"I think it's special because before it was different groups," he said. "Now we all hang with each other."
Cook says that his teammates have been encouraging through the entire process.
"Malcom (Eleby), Hillary (Haley) and Matt (Morgan)- they are like my brothers," he said.
After learning he would retain his scholarship, Cook remained focused for the upcoming season in 2007-08, saying he has maintained a furious workout pace with the hopes of returning to the court.
"I still work out in the weight room," Cook said. "I keep my workouts. After that, I get in the gym and shoot."
Cook said while practicing alone can be lonely, one thing motivates him to stay focused.
"I think about the team," he said. "I think about how it could be different next year."
While Cook's future is still uncertain, he said he would be ready if he gets the chance to suit up in a Bonnies uniform.
"I'm still happy," he said. "I can't wait. I'll be like a bat flying out of hell."
