HELENA — Andrew Cook may be the Frontier Conference’s point guard before the start of the season at Carroll College, but that’s not all he is.
“I feel like I’ve always been a very happy guy. I’m always singing, dancing and having fun,” said Cook, who is fueled by hard work, oatcakes and coffee. “That goes a long way. And my faith has been a big part of my life, and I feel like my faith and my family always keep me grounded and always make sure that I don’t get too caught up in (basketball) sometimes, because I feel balanced. It’s really huge, knowing that my self-worth isn’t just about what I do. On the basketball court. And I feel like having that mindset has definitely freed me up to where I can have more fun playing, and that’s been helpful.”
Cook, who is approaching 1,000 career points as a Fighting Saint, is one of the best players in the Frontier Conference. The little do-it-all player has been outstanding during his first two seasons at Carroll.
Last year, Cook averaged 18.6 points per game along with 4.7 rebounds and 2.3 assists per game to lead the Saints and earn all-conference honors. A few games into his junior season, Cook has already surpassed that average. This season, he averaged 20 points, 6.4 rebounds and 2.5 assists per game.
Cook was born and raised near Huntington Beach, California, attended Servite High School, and had plenty of opportunities to play the game he loves against tough competition before coming to Helena.
“In my personal opinion, I feel like I played in the top (high school) league in the entire country,” Cook said. Division I) Strength Level 5 and all that, and that was a really cool experience.”
As a teenager, Cook was an all-league selection in high school and averaged 21 points, 6 rebounds and 2 assists per game as a senior.
So, how did he end up at Carroll?
“Everyone asks me that. And to be honest, I’m not really sure,” he said. “When I came in for my visit, I felt so much love from everyone, and this was the program that I felt wanted me the most. What’s also nice is…this is a faith-based school, and my faith has been a big part of my life as well, so being able to To continue that here was great.”
“The community here was something I felt could not be compared anywhere else. This place was very special,” he added.
This season at Carroll, Cook has borderline title desires and national championship aspirations.
“Last year, it wasn’t my role to be a vocal leader, and now that it’s my first year, just learning how to do that role is something I’ve embraced, and it’s been a lot of fun — challenging but fun,” Cook said.
In addition to taking on a greater leadership role, Carroll’s new coaching staff — led by first-year coach Ryan Lundgren — wanted Cook to improve his rebounding and shot selection.
“What’s great is they’re great off the field, too,” Cook said of his coaches. “It’s not hard to talk to them. We can just have a good time, even when we’re not playing.”
The Saints have had an up-and-down start to the season. They lost their first three games before winning three of their next four. They then lost two in a row in Thursday night’s home matchup with SAGU American Indian College inside the PE Center, with Cook and the Saints emerging victorious in a barnstorming matchup, 93-88.
“For these preseason games, this is all just preparation for Frontier, so as long as we get better every game, that’s all that matters right now,” Cook said. “As long as we get better every game today, I feel like we’ll be fine. Oh, and the free throws.”
He has followed Cook’s success on the basketball court, but he also continues to thrive off the court every day.
“Obviously I love my team, but I think it’s important to have diversity,” he said. “I want people to not just look at me as a basketball player. “So when I first got here, my main goal was to meet as many people as possible, and that was one of my main priorities.” Here, it extends to more than just the (basketball) team.
“I’ve met some of my best friends here, and it’s not just the basketball team either. I feel like I have a wide range of friends here, which is nice, so when I feel like I need space, I have other outlets. I have two great host families as well. They’ve been “They’re great, I can always go there and hang out with them, it’s like another family to me. Like I said, I couldn’t see myself anywhere else and I have a lot of pride and a lot of loyalty here. It’s great.”
Andrew Cook is a pivotal player for the Carroll College men’s basketball team, bringing a well-rounded skill set to the court. As a leader both on and off the court, Cook’s versatility and tenacity have been instrumental in the team’s success. With his ability to excel in various aspects of the game, Cook has proven himself as a dynamic force in guiding the team to victory. His unwavering dedication and passion for the sport make him a valuable asset to the team, and his contributions continue to drive Carroll College towards success.