HBCU Standout Javonte Cooke Scores in NBA Preseason Debut with Trail Blazers

Javonte Cooke, a product of Winston-Salem State University and a Division II transfer, scored nine points in nine minutes for the Portland Trail Blazers yesterday in a 129-123 preseason matchup against the Golden State Warriors, marking a significant milestone for HBCU athletes.

Cooke’s path to the NBA was unconventional, beginning at USC Aiken where he redshirted in 2017-18 before transferring to Mars Hill University. He found success at Winston-Salem State, averaging 17.5 points, 3.9 rebounds, and 1.8 steals per game during his single season with the Rams in 2022. His performance at the 2022 CIAA Tournament, where he scored a career-high 31 points in the opening round, drew the attention of professional scouts. “It was a huge stepping stone in my career,” Cooke said. “I faced some adversity, but I had some good times there as well. I needed that to be in the position that I’m in.”

Undrafted after college, Cooke signed an Exhibit 10 deal with the Minnesota Timberwolves and developed his game in the G League with the Iowa Wolves and Oklahoma City Blue, averaging 16.8 points, five rebounds, and three assists per game. The NBA is increasingly recognizing talent from outside traditional recruiting pipelines, as highlighted by the growing presence of G League players. He was ultimately signed by the Trail Blazers after demonstrating consistent improvement. You can learn more about the G League’s role in player development here.

Cooke’s debut represents a victory for HBCUs, which have historically been underrepresented in professional basketball, and could inspire a new generation of players. The Trail Blazers have indicated they will continue to evaluate Cooke’s performance throughout the remainder of the preseason schedule.