Brian Cook is a former American basketball player who played in the National Basketball Association for twelve seasons (NBA). Cook began his NBA career after being selected with the 24th overall pick in the 2003 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. He was a member of the Orlando Magic, Houston Rockets, and Los Angeles Clippers, among other NBA clubs.

Brian was a college basketball star prior to entering the NBA draft. In 2016, he was inducted into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame as one of the most decorated athletes at the University of Illinois.

Quick Facts

Education and Childhood of Brian Cook

Brian Joshua Cook was born in Lincoln, Illinois, on December 4, 1980. Norman Cook (father) and Joyce Cook (mother) are his parents (mother).

His father was a University of Kansas All-American who briefly played for the Boston Celtics. Joe Cook, his uncle, was a basketball player at Duke University.

Cook also has two younger sisters, Kristina and Natasha, who are both actresses. Natasha is his half-sister from his mother’s former relationship, whilst Kristina is his biological sister.

Norman Cook’s Relationship with Brian Cook

Brian Cook overcome the pain of an abusive father, despite his father being an encouragement for him to pursue basketball.

Norman, his father, was cruel to his mother and would severely beat her. Brian and his sister used to shield their mother from their father’s abuse. It was a painful experience for both of them because they were so young and had no idea what to do.

As a result, Brian has disliked his father since he was a child. He had no contact with his father when his mother divorced him.

Brian’s father was also diagnosed with a mental condition, paranoid schizophrenia, and died on December 22, 2008, at Lincoln Memorial Medical Center, from an unexplained reason.

His mother worked multiple jobs while raising him and his sisters on public assistance. Cook adores his mum and considers her to be his best friend.

Brian graduated from the University of Illinois after attending Lincoln Community High School.

Height, Weight and Age

Brian Cook is 41 years old, having been born in 1980. Sagittarius is the zodiac sign for those born in December.

Brian was also born in the United States, in the city of Lincoln, and identifies as an African-American.

Joyce, his mother, is white, while Norman, his father, is black. Brian experienced bigotry as a child as a result of his mixed heritage.

However, he used to manage it with maturity. When others make fun of him for being black, he reminds them that he is half their color.

Cook is also 6 feet 9 inches (2.06 meters) tall and weighs roughly 234 pounds (106 kg).

Early Career of Brian Cook

Cook was a member of the Railsplitters basketball team at Lincoln Community High School. He guided his team to the quarterfinals of the 1999 Illinois High School Association Class AA state boys basketball tournament.

As a result, he was named to the 1998 State Farm Holiday Classic all-tournament team and was named a McDonald’s All-American in 1999.

He was also named Mr. Basketball for the state of Illinois in 1999. Cook was elected into the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame in 2016.

Cook played college basketball for the University of Illinois after a strong high school career.

Cook was also a capable scorer who could knock down three-pointers with ease. He was selected co-Big Ten Freshman of the Year as a result.

He also received numerous awards and accolades, including Big Ten Most Valuable Player, Big Ten Player of the Year, and first-team All-Big Ten.

Cook also finished his career as the third-leading scorer at Illinois, with 1,748 points and an average of 13.2 points per game.

Cook’s jersey was one of the thirty-three jerseys recognized at the State Farm Center in 2008. He was recognized for being the most decorated basketball player in University of Illinois history.

Professional Career of Brian Cook

Brian Cook was taken with the 24th overall choice in the 2003 NBA draft by the Los Angeles Lakers. Brian began his career as a reserve player with limited playing time.

He established himself as a player who could play beyond the perimeter as his professional career developed.

Cook served mostly as a three-point specialist. The athlete’s playing time increased, and people began to notice his abilities.

However, on November 20, 2007, he was dealt to the Orlando Magic. Before joining the Houston Rockets, he spent two seasons with the Orlando Magic.

He later went on to play for the Los Angeles Clippers, Washington Wizards, and Utah Jazz, among others.

Cook also played basketball for the Lebanese Basketball League and the Japanese National Basketball League before retiring in 2015.

International Career of Brian Cook

Cook also competed in the 2001 FIBA U21 World Championship for the United States. He was an important member of the gold-medal-winning USA squad.

The tournament was held in Saitama, Japan, where the USA team faced Croatia in the final. Brian led the team to an 89-80 victory over Croatia.

Achievements and Awards

• Champion of the BSN (2013)
• The “Illini Men’s Basketball All-Century Team” was named after him (2004)
• All-American second team (2003)
• All-American third team (2003)
• Silver Basketball Award from the Chicago Tribune (2003)
• Men’s Basketball Player of the Year in the Big Ten Conference (2003)
• Nominee for the Wooden Award in the Preseason (2003)
• Co-Freshman of the Year in the Big Ten (2000)
• McDonald’s All-American (McDonald’s) (1999)
• Mr. Basketball in Illinois (1999)
• Parade All-American second team (1999)

Wife and Children of Brian Cook

Victoria Velasquez, Cook’s longtime girlfriend, is his wife. On July 4, 2009, the pair tied the knot.

Though there isn’t much information regarding how they met and fell in love, there is some. Cook, on the other hand, is said to be so devoted to his wife that he gave up his job to be with her.

Victoria, Cook’s wife, was diagnosed with cancer and required extensive care and attention. As a result, Cook left the NBA to be with his wife, who was battling cancer. Her wife, fortunately, overcame cancer and is now cancer-free.

He also has a son by the name of Caius Cook. Unfortunately, little is known about him.

Presence on social media

Brian Cook has a Twitter account with hundreds of followers that he has verified. Apart from it, he has no other social media accounts.

You may connect with him by following him on Twitter.

Net Worth of Brian Cook

Brian Cook’s net worth is believed to be between $1 million and $5 million. Cook’s net worth is derived from his major occupation as an NBA player.

The athlete signed a $903,360 rookie contract with the Los Angeles Lakers. Then he signed $3,500,000 contracts with the Orlando Magic and $3,500,000 contracts with the Houston Rockets.

Cook made millions of dollars as an NBA player who played for a variety of organizations.

FAQs

What are Brian Cook’s overall NBA statistics?

In his NBA career, Brian Cook averaged 2.6 rebounds, 0.3 steals, 0.6 assists, 0.3 blocks, and 5.5 points per game in 421 games.

He has 2,312 points, 1,115 rebounds, and 252 assists in his career.

Brian Cook, have you ever played in the BIG3 basketball league?

Cook was a part of the Killer 3’s team in the BIG3 basketball competition. Ice Cube developed the Big 3 basketball league, which is a 3v3 league.

He was a member of the team that included Reggie Evans, Larry Hughes, and Eddie Robinson, and was picked in the 2017 draft.