For AJ Cook, he has played the role of the perfect teammate, patiently binding his time and doing whatever is necessary to help his team win. Last season, Cook was named the Union County Hoops Sixth Man of the Year for Weddington High School, which went 22-8. While Cook averaged a modest 5.9 PPG, 1.9 RPG, 1.2 APG and even 1.1 SPG. This season, Cook will be expected to be a major contributor to Coach Gary Ellington's team.
One thing is for certain, Cook is the ultimate gym rat. He's a worker in the classroom and the basketball court. Cook has maintained an impressive 4.4 GPA. In addition, Cook plays with a high motor, gives maximum effort and has a high basketball IQ. At our last NC Phenom 150 camp, we wrote the following. 'He's a smart, wiry guard prospect that simply knows how to run a team or work without the ball. Cook is crafty and scores efficiently from all levels.' Camp coach Jordan Washington also stated, 'Shooter, shooter, shooter! Cook shot the ball at an unbelievable rate, knocking down one 3-pointer after another.'
We've had a chance to watch Cook in various settings and one thing is crystal clear. Cook is always consistent in his effort and energy. He is constantly moving without the ball and makes excellent reads and backdoor cuts. Cook simply understand the game. At another event, we wrote the following, 'He's'a savvy player with the ball in his hands, making good decisions and finding his guys in the right place at the right time. He's a true combo guard due to his ability to absolutely kill teams with his spot up ability. Expect big things from Cook this year at Weddington, he has a legitimate case in the best shooter in 2022 argument.''
In speaking with Weddington’s head coach Gary Ellington, he stated the following about Cook. “AJ is one of the hardest workers we have had. He is a student of the game and is constantly trying to improve. He wants to be a college coach one day so he thinks like a coach. Great kid with a bright future.”