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But, in your wildest dreams could you
ever imagine yourself playing with the world-renowned Los Angeles
Lakers and maybe find yourself in the starting lineup with Shaq and
Kobe?
You might not, but that's exactly where
Brian Cook finds himself as the Lakers made him the 24th pick of the
first round.
A skittish crowd of family, friends,
coaches and media members erupted when NBA Commissioner David Stern
spoke his name. In fact, he barely got the name "Brian" out before
the crowd stood and screamed. The screaming and yelling lasted
several minutes, while Brian kissed his girlfriend, Melissa
Williamson, and hugged his mother, Joyce Cook, all the while wiping
away the tears. At times there was even more relief than joy, but
that mostly came from having to sit there and watch the names of
several international players get called that none in the room had
ever heard of!
According to the LA Times, Los Angeles
Laker coach Phil Jackson, no stranger to our local Chicago Bulls
fans, called Brian the "kind of ballplayer that fits the style of
basketball we want to play." He then went on to give Brain and the
other new draftee, Arizona forward Luke Walton, some additional
motivation -- as if they needed any! "We have to assume that rookies
aren't going to help us." Very coy, Phil. And welcome to the Zen
master, Brian.
As for the LDN's thoughts on all of
these festivities… I really wanted Brian to go somewhere out of the
spotlight, where he could learn the NBA game for a year or two. A
place where there wouldn't be too much media scrutiny or pressure on
him to produce right away. With his selection by the Lakers, it is a
mixed bag in my mind. So much for not wanting him in the media
headlights… How 'bout the No. 1 market in the world! BUT, with Shaq
and Kobe always vying for the media attention, the pressure for
Brian to produce should be minimal. Then if he can come up big as a
third or fourth option in the triangle offense, he can learn the
game at the hands of the best.
Also, you can never rule out a trade,
and so Brian may or may not have a long tenure in Hollywood. The LA
Times is reporting that the Lakers weren't taking the draft as their
primary vehicle to rebuild their team -- that they intend to be very
active in the free agent market over the next few weeks. As friends
and fans of Brian, let's hope their activity centers around the
procurement of guards and other players who won't limit Cook's
playing time.
All in all, this whole NBA draft thing
was a wonderful experience. I never thought I'd be sitting there
with a friend who was about to become an instant millionaire! I am
so happy for Brian and Melissa and for his mother, Joyce, and their
whole family. They have always been good to me personally, and I'm
happy that their many years of sacrifice are now being rewarded.
Brian and his family deserve nothing but the best, and that is
exactly what we wish for them.
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article]
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Area media outlets are reporting that
between 45 and 85 people were gathered for the [unpublicized] fun.
Judging by that number and knowing that Laker games are usually sold
out, tickets may be hard to come by… so we'll see you all on eBay!
Don't forget to tune your televisions
to CITV Channel 5. The CITV/FIX-96/LDN crew members were out in
force last night to bring you, [our] loyal fans, the inside look
that you've now come to expect. If we had the capabilities, we would
have brought the night to you live… but, hopefully it will be just
as fun on taped delay!
The LDN would like to close this
chapter with a special salute to Brian Cook. I have been around a
lot of sports stars in a lot of different sports in over 40 years.
Seldom have I come across ANYone more accommodating than Cook. I
mean, he is so stinkin' accessible that I usually lean away from
getting in the middle of things. I want him to get his due with
ESPN, FOX and all of our great central Illinois media outlets.
Whether his team has won or lost, whether he has played well or not,
he is always willing to come on camera or tape. He is always polite,
friendly and stays with you painstakingly until you ask your final
question. He blames himself for a team loss when he went
triple-double or double-double. When his team wins, he wants to give
his teammates and his coaches all of the credit. Could Lincoln,
Ill., have a better representative than this?
I am as proud of him as if he were my
own son. Most of you have never seen what I have seen. The hours in
the weight room and training room. The hundreds of shots each day
from virtually every spot on the floor. Yes, he is blessed with the
gifts that only God gives at 6-foot-10 and 240 pounds, but his
unselfish play and his humble demeanor have not been missed by this
would-be reporter. Whether he plays for 10 years or two years makes
no difference to me. Whether he becomes an all-star and makes the
Hall of Fame or whether he has a journeyman's career is irrelevant
to me. He has already accomplished some of the most important things
in life. Brian Cook has become a man!
I am just happy to have known him, and
my prayer for him is that God will continue to keep him and his
family safe and that God will raise Brian up to not only be a good
ambassador for Lincoln and for Illinois, but for the Lord's kingdom
as well.
Bon voyage,
Brian… and remember, no matter where you go in this land or in this
world, there is a small but formidable band of a few thousand family
and friends who will be cheering your every move. Thanks for taking
us on the ride of our lives!
[Jeff
Mayfield] |
