Norman Cook (March 21, 1955 – December 22, 2008[1]) was an American basketball player.

Norm Cook
Personal information
Born(1955-03-02)March 2, 1955
Chicago, Illinois
DiedDecember 22, 2008(2008-12-22) (aged 53)
Lincoln, Illinois
NationalityAmerican
Listed height6 ft 8 in (2.03 m)
Listed weight210 lb (95 kg)
Career information
High schoolLincoln (Lincoln, Illinois)
CollegeKansas (1973–1976)
NBA draft1976: 1st round, 16th overall pick
Selected by the Boston Celtics
Playing career1976–1980
PositionSmall forward
Number52, 30
Career history
1976–1977Boston Celtics
1978Denver Nuggets
1979–1980Basketball Oud-Beijerland
Career highlights and awards
Stats at NBA.com Edit this at Wikidata
Stats at Basketball Reference Edit this at Wikidata
Medals
Representing  United States
Men's basketball
Pan American Games
Gold medal – first place 1975 Mexico City Team competition

A 6'8" forward from Lincoln Community High School in Lincoln, Illinois, Cook played basketball at the University of Kansas from 1973 to 1976. He was named the Big Eight Conference's Freshman of the Year in 1974 after averaging 11.4 points per game and helping the Kansas Jayhawks reach the NCAA Final Four. Cook left the University of Kansas after his junior season to make himself eligible for the 1976 NBA draft, where he was selected by the Boston Celtics.[2] He appeared in 27 games over two seasons with the Celtics and Denver Nuggets, averaging 2.4 points per game.[3]

Cook was haunted by bouts of mental illness.[1] Cook's son, Brian Cook, has played for several NBA teams.[2]

References

edit
  1. ^ a b Justin Tierney. "Lincoln High legend Norman Cook dies". State Journal-Register. December 23, 2008.
  2. ^ a b "Former Kansas basketball star Norm Cook dies". Kansas City Star. December 26, 2008.
  3. ^ Norm Cook. basketball-reference.com. Retrieved on December 27, 2008.