Recruiting Report: Jalen Cook (2020)
Every few years there is a special guard to come out of Louisiana that has the potential to be a true high major D1 contributor. One of the next out the state is 2020’s Jalen Cook, a 6’0 PG from Walker High School. Prep Hoops currently has him ranked at 67 in the nation, but I think by the time things are all said and done he will be considered a top 30 player in the nation by his senior year. With our class of 2020 rankings officially unveiled, Jalen Cook has cemented himself as the top player in the state, a distinction he doesn’t take lightly. “That means that all the work I’ve put in has paid off, and I’m proud of that. Being the best player in the state has always been a goal. Now, I’m going to try to be one of the best players in the nation.”
Jalen was able to separate himself from the rest of the pack this summer, playing up a grade with Louisiana Elite 16u. He played exceptionally well with them, leading an already talented team in scoring over the Under Armour sessions. “I played well. I had to adjust to playing up to 16u, but I adjusted and earned the starting spot. I was playing at a high level, even though I feel like I could have played a lot better at times. My role was to bring energy, and create extra possessions off steal, as well as being counted on to make big shots.”
Now that school is back in session, Jalen has a different goal in mind. To lead his team to a state title. “I feel ready and focused, because it’s most of the guys senior year, so my goal is to help these guys bring home a state title. I feel like our energy and toughness, as well as our aggressiveness on defense should be able to set us apart. We try to turn our defense into offense.” This year Walker should definitely be in the hunt for the 5A state title, with 6’6 2018 forward prospect Jalen Perkins helping ease some of the weight on Jalen Cook’s shoulders.
Even though Jalen is just a sophomore, and coaches aren’t able to communicate over the phone yet, that hasn’t stopped Jalen’s recruitment from taking off. “LSU, Tulane, UAB, LA Tech, Southeastern and Houston have all talked to our coach about coming see a workout. LSU invited me to a football game earlier, and I had a chance to talk with them.” Houston broke the floodgates this summer and was the first to offer Jalen, and he feels like an offer to Tulane should be coming soon. As far as the next level goes, Jalen already has some items on his checklist that he needs. “I want a coach that will push me, a school with strong academics, and a great atmosphere around the school, a nice clean campus.” Jalen lists his dream schools as Duke, Kentucky, and LSU, and if he continues to progress, they might not be out of the question. Jalen also boasts a 3.75 GPA, but wanted to make sure everyone knew that it was a 4.0 up until this semester. Jalen is a well rounded kid both on the court and in the classroom, and I am really looking forward to see just how bright his future will be.