Prospect Spotlight: Austin Cook (2020)
Damien High shooting guard Austin Cook is well-known for embodying exactly what his position entails: Shooting.
Cook is one of the most consistent catch-and-shoot threats from deep in all of Southern California, which led to him starting for the high-powered, CIF Southern Section Open Division competitor Spartans.
Cook said that his first crack at high level varsity minutes provided a small shock, but he was more than prepared for the challenge.
Sophomore Austin Cook, one of the best 3-point shooters in SoCal, has been working to expand his game.“I knew going into it that we were going to play a bunch of good teams and I had to be prepared,” he told Prep Hoops So-Cal. “Once you get there it all just comes together.”
One of the most important factors in Cook’s success last year, which saw him shoot better than 40 percent from behind the arc, was that his coaching staff allowed him to operate with a green light an mature at his own pace.
“I did a lot of growing up last year,” Cook said. “Coach (LeDuc) handled me with kid gloves, but this year they’ve come off. One of the biggest things for me this year is maturity and taking that next step from a freshman to a sophomore.”
The 6-foot-4, 190 pounder certainly has the maturity aspect under control with the way he thoughtfully answers questions, so what’s the next step for the 2020 prospect?
“The next step is more off the dribble game,” Cook said. “More getting to the cup, getting to the line and rounding out my game so I’m not just a 3-point shooter. I’m working hard on dribble moves and creating off the dribble. It will be a big plus and really elevate my game.”
Damien projects again as a contender for one of the eight coveted Open Division playoff spots based on the amount of returning firepower and talented incoming freshmen.
The Spartans have played plenty of fall league games in preparation for the season and Cook said they’ve highlighted a couple of things they need to get better at before the regular season begins.
“I think team chemistry is what we’re working on the most right now,” he said. “Defensive intensity, getting back after a made shot, and rebounding are all things we need to tighten up.”
Cook has a good amount of early college interest and will continue to gain traction in that department as his game expands.
“I have four offers,” Cook said. “Air Force, Cal Baptist, Southern Utah and Loyola Marymount. I think it elevates my game and It boosts my confidence.”