Harris-Stowe State University’s Interim Director of Athletics, William Carey, is thrilled to announce Michael Cook as the next head men’s basketball coach.
“After a national search that comprised of interviewing a very impressive group of coaches, it was evident that Coach Cook was the individual to lead the Harris-Stowe State University Men’s Basketball program,” Carey said. “He is a competitor and he is a teacher. From the first time we spoke, his passion and determination to develop young people both on and off the court has been clear and I look forward to seeing his vision for Harris-Stowe men’s basketball come to life. It is our privilege to welcome Coach Cook, his wife, Latisha, and their family to Hornet Nation.”
Cook comes to Harris-Stowe from Fort Scott Community College, where he coached 13-seasons. Under his leadership, over 45 of his players have went on to play at four year schools, nineteen players are ranked on the all-time scoring list, nineteen on the all-time rebounding list and ten players on the all-time assist leaders. Currently, six of his players are overseas and five are playing semi-professional basketball. Also, the program posted the most single-season wins in the 2017-2018 season, which is only the 5th time the program posted a 20-win season.
“I am humbled and honored to be named Harris-Stowe State University’s next head men’s basketball coach,” said Cook. “I would like to thank President Dr. Collins Smith and Interim Director of Athletics, William Carey, for entrusting me with the future of Harris-Stowe State University basketball. I look forward to getting on campus and working with the student athletes to help them achieve their goals.
The 2020-21 season was a historical season for the Fort Scott Greyhounds as they were Conference Co-Champions, nationally ranked as high as number 11 and finishing seventeenth. Coach Cook was also named Conference Coach of the Year for the third time, the most of any DII coach in the conference. The Greyhounds had five members named All-Conference and one member named All-Region while the team led the nation in steals, and scored over 100 points in five games.
During the 2019-20 season, Cook’s 142nd career win lifted him to the top of the leader board for wins at Fort Scott. Cook’s focus on academics is uncontested as his teams have consistently been ranked in the top five in GPA for the conference, including in 2009-2010, when they were ranked fifth in the nation.
Senior Woman Administrator, Brittany Stewart stated, “We are thrilled to welcome Coach Cook to the Athletics Department here at Harris-Stowe State University. We are doing some exciting works here and we are hopeful that his talent, enthusiasm and fresh ideas will be invaluable for us! We also extend our heartiest welcome to his family. Coach, congratulations on being part of our growing and dynamic team here. We’re honored to have you with us!”
Cook was a two-year starter for Eastern Oklahoma State College from 1988-1990 prior to transferring to Pittsburg State University, where he started from 1990-1992. During his senior year, the team compiled a record of 21-8 and was ranked fourth in the nation.
Cook earned his bachelor’s degree from Pittsburg State University and his master’s from Northcentral University. He is also a member of Phi Theta Kappa.
Cook is married to the former Latisha Kelley. He has four children – two daughters, Rayven and Mataya, and two sons – Lakelon and Andrew. He also has three grandchildren – two grandsons, Adrian and Avery and one granddaughter – Andi.
