We caught up with senior basketball player Steven Cook, fresh off an Ivy League title win and NCAA Tournament game. He ended his Princeton career 15th on the program's all-time scoring list with 1,148 points and tied for ninth with 156 career three-pointers. Cook was recently recognized for his contributions on and off the court by receiving membership to the Allstate NABC Good Works Team, an award only 10 student-athletes receive in the entire NCAA, including Divisions I, II, III, and the NAIA. Cook will be travelling to the Final Four games with the Allstate NABC Good Works Team to take part in special events.
Daily Princetonian: What do you enjoy most about basketball?
Steven Cook: The team aspect. The people on the team and the connections you make with coaches and others through the sport.
DP: What’s your favorite move?
SC: A fake jab step. I like to call it a “Kobe shake.”
DP: Any pregame rituals?
SC: I’m not a very superstitious person. I like to listen to hip hop and rap before games. I always wear my jersey in warmups instead of sweats because it’s more comfortable.
DP: How do you celebrate a big win?
SC: Witherspoon Grill with the parents.
DP: How do you stay calm during big situations?
SC: I don’t really get too nervous. I just tell myself to have fun.
DP: What made this season so special?
SC: Senior leadership. We just had guys who have been through it before, and the experience paid off. The seniors also stepped up when we had a few players injured.
DP: What is your favorite basketball moment?
SC: The moment after we won the Ivy League Title game and seeing the fans, players, and coaches storm the court.
DP: Who is your role model?
SC: The players who’ve come before me.
DP: What will you miss most about Princeton?
SC: Everything Princeton has to offer. The basketball, the academics, the social life. It’s amazing how you can develop many different aspects about yourself here.
DP: If you could have any superpower, what would it be?
SC: The ability to teleport.
DP: What’s your favorite movie?
SC: “City of God.”
DP: If you could be any animal, what would you be?
SC: A golden retriever in an affluent household. He must have the best life.
DP: Who do you think will win the NCAA tournament?
SC: UNC.
