By David Jordan Jr

Former NBA and international basketball star Darwin Cook was named the California Pacific Conference Coach Of The Year. This was Darwin’s first year as a head coach on the collegiate level, as he took the reigns of the men’s basketball program at the University of Antelope Valley in spring 2017.  Bringing a wealth of  knowledge and experience from a successful nine year NBA career, Cook looked forward to not only teaching the game, but also winning. Cook’s first season as head coach would see him win not only Coach of the Year, but he would also lead the university to it’s first men’s regular season conference basketball title. Cook was very proud of his team and honored to be voted as coach of the year. “I am very honored to be selected as Coach of the Year and very proud of my team for believing in what my Associate Head Coach Jordan Mast and I preached; to always believe and work hard.” The continuance of success was also seen in his players as he had five players named to different all conference teams and the California Pacific Conference Most Valuable Player, played under Coach Cook as well. The continued success of Coach Cook on the hardwood is a true testament to his commitment to the game of basketball. Congrats Coach Cook.