Nov. 14, 2012

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CORVALLIS, Ore. - Oregon State men's basketball head coach Craig Robinson announced Wednesday that Hallice Cooke has signed a National Letter of Intent to join the program for the 2013-14 season.

"We are really excited to get Hallice Cooke," Robinson said. "Number one, it's great to get another player from Bobby Hurley's St. Anthony's program. To get a quality player like Hallice who can shoot, defend and run a team is really exciting for us. He's going to bring a lot of leadership to this team, too. We are moving through this generation of players so we are going to lose a lot of leadership over the next couple of years. We need to figure out who is going to be the next floor general for us."

Cooke, a 6-foot-3, 185-pound guard from Union City, N.J., attends St. Anthony High School where he averaged 7.1 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists last season when St. Anthony won the second of back-to-back New Jersey Tournament of Champions titles.

Oregon State junior forward Devon Collier also attended St. Anthony High School and played for Hall of Fame Coach Bob Hurley, who says the Beavers are getting a very good player who can ultimately play point guard.

"People were recruiting him as a spot-up shooter and a kid who played more off the ball," Hurley said. "He's worked since the end of last season until now adding complete elements. He's a driver now. He can handle the ball. He's more of a one than anyone would've ever imagined. I think ultimately that will be his position. I think they got a kid who improved and I think he's going to continue to get better."

Cooke, who played on the Sports U AAU team that finished last season ranked in the top 10 in the nation, is ranked the 45th best guard in the nation by Rivals.com. ESPN.com describes him as "a versatile offensive player with a well rounded skill set. He is a good catch and shoot player with very dependable three-point range but can also make plays with the ball, not only attacking close-outs but also making a quick low cross. He throws ahead in transition, can dance into his mid-range pull-up, and seems to have good composure and decision making ability to his game. He is a skilled swingman with a versatile and balanced floor game. He plays the game with a good court demeanor and has a good feel to his floor game."

Click on the following YouTube link to watch highlights of Cooke:

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