NPR provided a glimpse of Quinn Cook’s journey in the NBA D-League as an undrafted rookie Thursday.
The former Duke guard was featured in an episode of NPR’s “Embedded” hosted by Kelly McEvers. The podcast discusses Cook’s experience of not being drafted and the difficulties he encountered while playing in the NBA D-League during his first year after winning the national championship and graduating from Duke.
NPR sports reporter Tom Goldman and NPR editor Uri Berliner—who narrate the episode titled the “The League”—followed Cook and his Canton Charge teammate Mike Dunigan last season.
The podcast includes interviews with Cook and recaps his road to winning NBA D-League Rookie of the Year despite not receiving an opportunity to play in the NBA. Goldman also highlights Cook’s relationship with his father—who died when Cook was 14 years old.
Toward the end of the episode, Cook acknowledges that there were several instances during the season when NBA teams considered offering him a contract and a chance to leave the D-League.
Cook ended the season averaging a team-high 19.6 points and 5.4 assists per game. In addition to receiving the Rookie of the Year honor, Cook was named a D-League All Star.
Cook will continue his quest to make an NBA roster this summer. The Washington native is expected to participate in the NBA Summer League in July.
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