SLAM Rookie Blog: Daequan Cook, Vol. 1
On living in Miami, screwing up Shaq’s plays and going to Subway for Zo…
Welcome, everyone, to the SLAM Rookie Blogs, an ongoing project throughout the NBA season from a distinguished brotherhood of NBA rooks. To check the Rookie Blog archive, click here. What follows is the first blog entry from Miami Heat shooting guard Daequan Cook. After helping lead Ohio State to the NCAA Finals last season, Cook was drafted 21st overall last summer by Philly and immediately traded to the Miami Heat. Through the first month of the season, Cook is averaging 10.4 ppg in nearly 20 mpg. Daequan will be checking in a few times each month.
by Daequan Cook
What’s up, everyone? I’m down in Miami right now on an off day with the Heat. When I first got down here to Miami, I was in a hotel for about the first four months, but that got old pretty fast — I got tired of seeing the same people all the time. Now I’ve got my own place. Overall, I’m loving Miami, it’s real nice down here. When I have down time, I play video games (I play a lot of college football, and yes, Ohio State is the only team I play with). I usually go out on South Beach to eat, and sometimes I go out to the movies with some friends. There’s been a few rainy days here and there, but it’s a lot different than Ohio.
Speaking of differences, the NBA is a lot different than college basketball. The first thing I noticed is that the speed is a lot faster. Also, every night you’re playing against grown men who get paid a lot of money to play the game. You’ve got to bring it every night, can’t take any time off.
Honestly, it’s been a little harder than I thought it would be. When I got down here, there were a lot of plays to learn. If you screw up a play, especially a play for Shaq or Dwyane, they’ll get mad at you. They look forward to plays getting called for them, especially Shaq. D-Wade can kind of create his own shot if has to, but Shaq, he gets upset if you mess up on a play for him. He’ll joke around with you but he also lets you know that you can’t be on the floor if you’re going to mess up the team’s plays.
Now that I’ve been here for a while, the players have started to feel more comfortable around me and I’ve started to get comfortable with them. I hang with them all. I’ve hung out with Zo, Dwayne, Shaq. Shaq is really fun, and he makes me laugh a lot. Actually, everybody on this team has jokes — they’re all pretty funny. You think of the Heat as being pretty serious, but it’s not like that at all. Jason Williams gets me laughing a lot, he can be real funny. That’s a side I get to see that most people don’t see.
So far I haven’t had to do nothing, really, as far as any rookie hazing stuff. Sometimes Alonzo makes me go to Subway for him, but nothing real major.
All in all, I’m real happy down here. The opportunity I’ve had, I took advantage of it and I feel like I’ve handled it well. I can’t be too upset about how my season is going right now.
As for the Heat, I know it’s been kind of bad, but we’ve added a lot of pieces, had a lot of injuries and we’re still finding our rotation. Once we get into a groove, I think we’re going to be just fine.
28 Responses to “SLAM Rookie Blog: Daequan Cook, Vol. 1”
Nov.29 at 6:24 pm
Lang Whitaker says:
First!
Nov.29 at 6:28 pm
H to the izzo says:
Eboy’s upset he didn’t get a shout out.
Nov.29 at 6:36 pm
MoYooBuIuGuuPvEvNvIvS says:
lang, you goon.
Nov.29 at 6:39 pm
MoYooBuIuGuuPvEvNvIvS says:
he’s lucky they have other things to worry about than hazing, but if the season gets really bad, that will be their only focus
Nov.29 at 6:46 pm
Kevin says:
i’m a big fan of Cook’s game thus far, hope he gets more PT down the line - think he’ll be able to play the 3 against some of the smaller perimeter-oriented 3s in the league?
Nov.29 at 7:59 pm
white hot eboy says:
Daequan, if you come through and read these comments, just know you have a ton of South Florida support, your game is appreciated fully and myself and Heat fans everywhere look forward to seeing you blossom in your new role as “bench killer” and can’t wait to see you guys get in full swing. Be looking forward to reading more of your words soon.
Nov.29 at 8:22 pm
The infamous DP says:
pretty good work slam. I like how you guys are finding ways to be better than all the other basketball websites that believe they have something to offer. If this site can just have a fantasy L game…………………………..that would be a big step. play wit it.
Nov.29 at 8:31 pm
FLUXLAND says:
I’m confused! He gets his own place because he got tired of seeing the same ppl all the time? Does that mean he wants to be by himself or did he think he can see different people at his own place. Also, does he realize he sees his team everyday? Are they not the same people? When does he get tired of them? WTF? Weir.
Nov.29 at 8:32 pm
white hot eboy says:
I hate being moderated.
Nov.29 at 11:40 pm
JpT says:
eboy will get some serious orgasm after he reads this.
Nov.30 at 12:17 am
Santanafromthewest says:
This dude Cook is a baller…FREE GREENEYES
Nov.30 at 2:25 am
jay says:
this is a great way to see the light side of the teams, that us fans barely get to see when they are on the court handling their business. im happy Slam comes up with these great ideas. im lovin the banner as well. as a Laker fan, i cant wait to read Crittenton’s blog. I like the way Cook kept the blog nice and simple, not too much information not little either. looking forward to the rest of these blogs.
Nov.30 at 10:11 am
JOE.T FROM DAYTON says:
COOK WILL BE N DA LEAGUE FOR A LONG TIME HE HAS REAL GAME!!!! GOOD LUCK 2 U COOK FROM A PROUD DAYTONIAN!!!!MUCH LUV
Nov.30 at 12:46 pm
Jared says:
I fully understand that a man’s gotta do what a man’s gotta do, so not in a life aspect, but in a basketball aspect I was disappointed that Daequan came out early just because I didn’t think he showed the country what he was capable of as a freshman. He did come out with the first and fourth picks in the draft, and he was often overshadowed. I think if he had stayed one more year at least he woulda proven he was worthy of a higher pick, and he woulda tore up the big 10. I’m a big fan, and I’m glad to see him givin them buckets in the L…keep doin what you do quan…
Nov.30 at 1:06 pm
emerson from dayton dunbar says:
Deaquan, first of all I would like to let you know how proud I am of you. Watching you throughout your high school years to now. I want you to know that God has elevated you and placed you in a position to flourish. He’s preparing you for something even greater after your basketball days. He’s givin me dreams about what he has in store for you , but I wouldn’t dare disclose all of that info to the public eye. Now I will say the ups and downs that you have had thus far has prepared you to deal with adversity. Your back was up against the wall, but you responded. Alot of people would get upset with me when I would talk about you. They would say that your game wasn’t all of that. I would let them know that they were wrong, and that you sacrificed your game for Ohio State. Now they will be able too see all of your skillz come to full blossom. God has uniquely gifted you……. the main thing that you have is the confidence that God has placed down in your belly!!. I want you to know you belong with the best of them. I had one dream and I know it’s going to come to pass where in this one game you had 53 points. That time is coming soon. There are going to be times when you step on the court you are going to feel the presence of God over you and nothing you do will go wrong, you will be in that zone mode.!!! Stay focused, hungry, keep the passion, and always remember what it took to get you to this level, hard work. And in all things that you do be humble, and give thatks to the lord for it is him who has made all of this possible. He has blessed you so that you in return can be a blessing!!. EX DUNBAR WOLVERINE BASKETBALL MANAGER CLASS OF 92′’. Love ya DCOOK
Nov.30 at 1:51 pm
bobby stew says:
Subway?
Nov.30 at 1:56 pm
white hot eboy says:
I don’t think there’s a Quizno’s near the AAA, so Subway is the only option unless Zo want’s to kills his physique and eat cuban sandwiches from Bongo’s after practice.
Nov.30 at 3:03 pm
dwade#1fan4life says:
hey daequan…. u should know your my favorite rookie. i love the way u play… your a great shooter…good luck in the future…. keep writing blogs cuz i love reading them… take care…
Dec.1 at 12:53 am
HANNAH says:
DAYTON HAS YOUR BACK COOK JUST KEEP BALLIN AND SAVE 3 POINTS FOR ME. NAH FOR REAL GLAD TO SEE U MADE IT AND THERE NOTHING BUT GOOD FROM NOW ON!!!
Dec.4 at 2:13 pm
YoungSlimm says:
Daequan If you read this, this ya boy Marcus From Deveroes in dayton. Do Your thing, keep fighting for those minutes. Remember playing great defense will get you more minutes. Daequan is an exceptional player and young man. Kids here in his home town are no trying to be the next Daequan Cook, they are watching evrey game, wearing his jersey. He has been a big positive influence on his community and the people that live in it. Go Heat!!!!!!!
Dec.5 at 4:21 pm
Rell says:
Daequan, I wish you all the success in the NBA. It is going to take hardwork. Remember to Keep God (Jesus) ahead of your life and the rest will follow. I love to watch players who are not in the spot light but let their game speak for it’s self. You need to watch great shooters tapes, Like Reggie Miller, Ray Allen, Allan Houston, Dan Thunder Dan who played for Miami. Just, My opinion Wade, should move to the PG, and allow you to play the SG so you guys can bring youthful energy. To be a great combo in the backcourt.If Miami is going to win these season it’s gonna take sacrifices on teammates behave to do it. I like your game and I hope Riley will play you more. Even if you have to play small Forward, It hurt to see this slow start 4-13. But it can get turnaround in Portland. Play great Defense and your offense will flow. Go heat!!
Dec.6 at 5:31 am
Brian says:
This guy is the man.In real life and in NBA 2k8. Did u see his dunk over Posey? A Daequan, think you could handle a dunk contest? Too bad we didnt win that game. Now if only we could start winning some games.
Dec.9 at 8:54 pm
Zach F. says:
I watched him as a senior in the state championship and was very impressed. He has range from anywhere. He started out at TOSU on fire and then cooled off later in the year. Surprised he went, thought he still had a little to prove but I do agree that he was overshadowed. I saw hes had some very solid games and wish him the best of luck. I obviously don’t know much about it but one of my top priorities would be to keep Shaq happy. Keep holding it down for OHIO Kevin Martin, D-Cook, Bron, and many more to come (almost forgot Eric Snow)
Dec.10 at 11:33 pm
Stardog says:
I’m a Buckeye so I follow Daequan closely. I too thought he should have stayed another year, but it’s hard to argue w/ being a 1st round pick. He showed some serious skills in that Portland game, right after I’d picked him up for my fantasy team. But then I had to cut ya Daequan because those terrible turnovers you made vs Golden State at the end will get you back on Riley’s bench for awhile. But I’ll be keeping an eye on ya to pick ya up again, stick with it but play smart!
Dec.12 at 8:56 pm
emerson from dayton dunbar says:
TO STARDOG YOU AREN’T REALLY WITH DEAQUAN IF YOU CAN DROP HIM IN TWO GAMES. DEAQUAN KEEP ON DOING YOUR THING. LET YOUR SHORT- COMINGS BE THE FUEL THAT DRIVES YOU. I SPEAK INTO YOUR LIFE RIGHT NOW IN THE NAME OF JESUS THAT YOU WILL BE GREAT, YOU WILL BE KNOW AS ONE OF THE PUREST SHOOTERS EVER TO PLAY THE GAME. ON EVERY POSESSION DEQUAN FIGHT LIKE IT’S YOUR LAST POSESSION THAT YOU WILL EVER PLAY. NO MATTER WHERE THIS JOURNEY IN THE NBA TAKES YOU JUST KNOW THAT YOU ARE GOING TO COME OUT ON TOP. I PLEAD THE BLOOD OF JESUS OVER YOUR MIND. DO NOT LISTEN TO THE NAY SAYERS. JUST KNOW THAT GOD HAS GIFTED YOU, AND AS LONG AS YOU GIVE HIM THE CREDIT YOU WILL BE ALRIGHT. bUT WHEN YOU THINK IT’S ABOUT YOU IT WILL BE TAKEN AWAY. BUT IF GOD BE FOR YOU WHO CAN BE AGAINST YOU. EMERSON FROM DAYTON DUNBAR, EX BASKETBALL MANAGER CLASS OF 92″
Feb.12 at 6:52 pm
KeRRi says:
Daequan uou are an amazing player and I hope good things come to you in the future. I look forward to seein you grow with the team. Keep it Up! Love from PA
Mar.12 at 9:51 am
TiNY says:
wuts up wit it cook, you’re doin an a great job of reppin the D.Y.T. we love u man!! stay up..
Jun.8 at 9:56 pm
Blake13 says:
Did you know I’m from the same city as Deaquan Cook. Cool to see him on SLAM Online.