NBA draft analyst believes Mookie Cooke would fit in fine at UK

Mookie Cook has already made an official visit to UK and has Kentucky on his final list of college choices. (Twitter Photo)

There is a lot to like about Kentucky recruiting target Mookie Cook from what Matt Babcock, senior NBA Draft analyst for Basketball News, has seen.

“He has good size and is very versatile on both ends of the floor. However, my favorite thing about Mookie is his approach. He brings a lot of positive energy to the game and has a terrific motor,” Babcock said.

“Although I think he still has room for growth, Mookie seems to be making strides as a shot-maker.”

Babcock recently watched Cook play in the Hoophall Classic after the 6-7, five-star wing player narrowed his college list to  Kentucky, Arizona, Gonzaga, Kansas, Memphis, Michigan, Oregon, Texas Tech and UCLA.

Cook, a top five player in the 2023 recruiting class, plays at Arizona Compass Prep — the same school were UK freshman guard TyTy Washington played. Cook transferred to Arizona Compass this season.

“I’d like to see Mookie continue to develop his outside shooting and overall ball skills,” Babcock said. “If he continues to progress, I think he can become an outstanding player who will play both forward spots effectively.”

Kentucky and Oregon, Cook’s home state, are considered the leaders for Cook.

“When Calipari shows interest in a player, there’s always a real possibility that he signs that player,” Babcock said. “Guys choose to go to Kentucky to prepare for the NBA, and Mookie Cook seems to be on the fast track to be a top NBA prospect.”

“I think Mookie would fit in just fine at Kentucky. He is the type of player that could be plugged into just about any program seamlessly because of his versatility.”

Kentucky signee Chris Livingston also played in the Hoophall Classic. Babcock knows his game well and continues to be impressed.

“I have gotten to know Chris Livingston’s game well over the last year, and I must say he’s one of my favorite young prospects,” Babcock said. “At 6-6 or so, he has a solid and athletic frame.”

“I think he has room to tighten up his outside shooting, but I consider him a three-level scorer. He also seems competitive, which is an appealing part of his game.”

“I think he will be one of the better NBA prospects next season, and subsequently, I think it’s very realistic that he’ll only be in Lexington for one year.”

Babcock was one of the first big believers in Washington before he got to UK. He knew Washington was a “late bloomer” in the recruiting rankings because COVID limited the exposure he got. Babcock compare him to former NBA standout Chauncey Billups before he got to UK.

“TyTy has solid size for a point guard, he’s as tough as nails, shoots the ball with range, and his court awareness and presence are special. He also has ice in his veins and doesn’t get rattled. All of which are just like Billups,” Babcock said in August.

Obviously, Washington has been really good for UK and even though he didn’t make shots at Kansas, just having him back in the lineup after being injured the previous two games made a big difference.

“I was surprised Calipari used TyTy strictly off the ball initially, but he adapted well to his new role,” Babcock said. “TyTy has also made the most of his opportunities when given a chance to play point guard.

“As a result, I currently have him projected to be the first point guard selected in the 2022 NBA Draft.”

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You can follow Babcock on Twitter at @MattBabcock11 and see his work at https://www.basketballnews.com/draft.