When Jay Cook joined Arkansas State’s coaching staff in July 2005, it must have been the easiest transition ever. After all, Jay was returning to his alma mater and the place where he made a name for himself as a player and for ASU’s basketball program.
Cook, a three-year letterman for the Indians from 1992-94, is thrilled at the chance to coach at ASU and at the Division I level and for the opportunity that Head Coach Dickey Nutt has given him.
“I considered this a once-in-a-lifetime chance, and chances to coach at this level are hard to come by,” said Cook upon his hiring. “But getting the opportunity to coach not only at the Division-I level, but the place where you played, is something special. As a player, I enjoyed my time at ASU and have a lot of great memories.”
Alongside his recruiting responsibilities, Cook is to spearhead the player development side, too. Cook will be charged with helping the players develop better skills on the court and in the classroom, and that his addition will be key to having players show improvement each year at ASU.
Cook’s work on the court for the Indians is documented in ASU’s record book after hitting 94 career 3-pointers to rank tied for 10th in school history. Cook also finished his career with 115 steals to rank in a tie for sixth in that category.
Cook’s coaching experience includes being the head boy’s basketball coach at Newport High from 1998-2000, also coaching the golf team during that time.
Prior to Newport, Cook was the head coach of the junior and senior high boy’s basketball teams at Brookland from 1997 through 1998. Cook also coached the Lake Hamilton junior boy’s basketball team and junior girl’s track team from 1995 through 1997.
Jay and wife Jennifer have three daughters — Abby, Jenna and Jaycie.
