Mookie Cook knows UK freshman TyTy Washington and his family well.
If TyTy Washington’s father is right, Kentucky recruiting target Mookie Cook has a chance to be an elite college player.
“I think in two years he is going to be very special. Right now he’s still figuring out how to play on the offensive end but he had a nice midrange shot, good 3-point shot and he’s very athletic,” said Tee Washington. “Once he puts it all together he’s going to be super doped.”
The 6-7 Cook is ranked sixth in the 2023 recruiting class by ESPN.com and the No. 2 small forward in the class by 247Sports.com. His college offers include Arizona, Oregon, UCLA, Gonzaga, Michigan, and Kansas along with Kentucky.
Cook plays at Arizona Compass, the same team TyTy Washington played for in high school. Kentucky coach John Calipari and assistant Chin Coleman both went to see Cook play recently.
“If he gets to Kentucky, Mookie is going to surprise a lot of folks,” Tee Washington, who remains close with the Arizona Compass program, said. “With TyTy breaking the stigma of west coast kids not playing at Kentucky or in the SEC, it could help. I hope Mookie brings it and shows west coast kids have game.”
Cook made an official visit to Kentucky in October and “hung out” with Tee and TyTy Washington.
“They asked questions and we gave our opinion on some things,” Tee Washington said.
Tee Washington said Kentucky did not need any help from him recruiting Cook.
“The Kentucky staff has not really asked us to help. It’s Kentucky. They don’t need help getting the kids,” Tee Washington said. “But Mookie is one of those kids who gets it. He has a strong father, great mother, older brother who all understand what lies ahead for him.
“They watch other kids at Kentucky and know Kentucky is a great deal. I think Mookie will make the best decision for himself and hopefully for Kentucky.”
