HS Basketball: Quinn Cook Addresses Elite 24 Injury, College Choices

Quinn Cook, the star senior point guard at Oak Hill Academy (Mouth of Wilson, VA), announced Tuesday that he has suffered a knee injury and expects to make a full recovery.

The injury was sustained in the final minutes of the 2010 Boost Mobile Elite 24 Classic at the famed playgrounds of Venice Beach in Los Angeles, CA on Saturday. Cook was driving to the basket and injured his knee during a pressure-filled moment at the end of the all-star game, which was broadcasted live on ESPNU.

MRI results on Monday showed that Cook suffered a partially torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) and will be forced to sit out between 90 to 120 days. He will have surgery on Friday.

According to orthopedic specialist Dr. James E. Gilbert, who also serves as the personal physician of the U.S. national soccer team, Cook’s knee “will be stronger than ever” upon recovery.

Dr. Michael Groves, the president of Oak Hill, has assured Cook and his family that he and the institution are committed to ensuring his full recovery. “[Dr. Groves] said he watched the [Boost Mobile Elite 24 game] and that he will personally oversee Quinn’s rehab,” said his mother Janet.

The injury comes at a pivotal time as Cook had previously determined his official college visits. However, due to the injury, Cook, who has transferred to Oak Hill from the prestigious DeMatha Catholic H.S. (Hyattsville, MD), will focus completely on rehabilitation and his academics.

In addition, the injury caused Cook to further contemplate his future and his college choices despite possibly missing his visits. “It’s disappointing but it allows me to refocus on the things that are most important, such as furthering my education,” said Cook. “I’ve been through worse. What doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.”

After speaking with his mentor DeMatha head coach Mike Jones, Oak Hill head coach Steve Smith and his mother, Cook had recently narrowed down his choices for college to Arizona, Duke, Georgetown, North Carolina, Rutgers, St. John’s and UCLA. He expects to make a decision very soon, so that he can focus on his senior year.

Thus far, Cook, who is ranked No. 12 in the nation by MaxPreps.com, has earned many individual and team accolades. In his high school career, he has won two [Washington, DC] City Title championships, two Washington Catholic Athletic Conference (WCAC) titles, and two gold medals in the 16-U and 17-U FIBA World Championships.

Last season, Cook averaged 20.1 points, 5.9 assists and 3.3 rebounds per game for DeMatha en route to becoming the first junior to win Washington Post All-Met Player of the Year in 50 years. However, Cook is motivated to surpass his previous accomplishments.

“I am determined to becoming better and stronger than I was before, both mentally and physically,” exclaimed Cook.