Mookie Cook arrived in Oregon with a lot of potential. However, injuries and a crowded roster derailed his time with the Ducks. Now, the 6’7″ forward from Portland is hitting the transfer portal. He’s chasing a fresh start elsewhere. Here are some great potential landing spots for the young star.
Best Landing Spots for Mookie Cook Seeks After Oregon
Mookie Cook is leaving Oregon after two tough seasons. A severe ankle injury wiped out most of his freshman year, limiting him to just five games. This season, he stayed healthier but couldn’t crack the rotation.
Veterans like TJ Bamba and Jadrian Tracey kept him on the bench. In 24 appearances, Cook averaged only 1.1 points and 4.3 minutes per game. Now, with three years of eligibility left, he’s ready to restart his career.
NEWS: Oregon forward Mookie Cook, a former McDonald’s All-American, is entering the transfer portal, source told @On3sports. https://t.co/KKyY2eCL55 pic.twitter.com/OLTOWiqjjc
— Joe Tipton (@TiptonEdits) March 25, 2025
Here are five programs that could turn Cook’s promise into production:
1) Gonzaga Bulldogs
Gonzaga nearly landed Cook out of high school. Mark Few’s squad excels at molding young potential into pros; Corey Kispert and Julian Strawther are good examples. With guards Nolan Hickman and Khalif Battle graduating, Cook could step into a wing role. He’d bring defense and athleticism next to players like Dusty Stromer.
2) Kentucky Wildcats
Kentucky was also in Cook’s high school final cut. The Wildcats thrive on raw, athletic talents, which is ideal for a player with Cook’s frame and versatility. Their up-tempo game could unlock his potential. Seniors like Andrew Carr will exit, and freshmen might jump to the NBA.
3) Arizona Wildcats
Cook played high school ball at Compass Prep in Arizona, so the program is not a stranger to him. Tommy Lloyd’s free-flowing system could improve Cook’s offense. Arizona has a knack for raising transfers to new heights, like Keshad Johnson and Caleb Love, both thrived there. With Pelle Larsson leaving and K.J. Lewis possibly NBA-bound, Cook fits as a 3-and-D wing.
4) USC Trojans
USC made Cook’s original shortlist. New coach Eric Musselman loves aggressive, transfer-friendly schemes. Los Angeles offers a big stage, and Musselman has a good record with new talent, like Stanley Umude at Arkansas. With Isaiah Collier and Boogie Ellis gone, Cook could emerge as a two-way forward.
5) Portland Pilots
Portland is the home ground for Cook. The Pilots, a West Coast Conference mid-major, promise major minutes. Portland’s staff would focus on his growth. He’d likely log 20+ minutes nightly, improving his game in a low-pressure gig.
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Cook’s next move could define his career. These five spots offer distinct paths to get him back on track.
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