Javonte Cooke, the 2022 Winston-Salem State University men's basketball graduate is making a name for himself in the G League playing for the Iowa Wolves.

Cooke played in 23 games for the Rams helping them claim the CIAA Southern Division title. He averaged 17.5 points per game, 3.9 rebounds per game, 1.5 assists per game, and 1.8 steals per game. He finished the season fifth in the conference (CIAA) in scoring, sixth in field goal percentage (.455), and first in 3-point field goal percentage (.393) and 3-point field goals per game (2.6). He scored a game-high 31 points in a victory over St. Augustine's on February 24. He was named HBCU Player of the Week and CIAA Player of the Week at least once this season as well as BOXTOROW National Player of the Week. He also was named to the All-CIAA Backcourt Team and CIAA All-Tournament Team. Cooke scored 1,220 points during his career and his 1,000th point with the Rams occurred on Jan 29 against Livingstone finishing the game with 24 points.

We asked Javonte a few questions to understand his whole process going forward into making it into the G League.

What was your mindset going into this off-season and what did you do to prepare for the upcoming season?
Cooke: "Physically I trained my body harder than I ever have, really just trying to test and push my limits with conditioning, strength, flexibility, ball handling, shooting. The most important preparation I did during the off-season however was the time I took to work on my mental, I began trying breathing exercises, yoga in the morning, writing, and taking heed to what I put in my body from a nutrition standpoint. I also strengthened my knowledge and relationship with my God."

Did you ever feel that your process took longer than expected? What advice would you give any player from the CIAA entering their last season to prepare for the next level?
Cooke: "One thing I learned through the multiple trials and tribulations I faced in my life is that no matter when you want something to happen or when you think it should happen, God's timing is overarching.
That his timing is perfect for the plan he has for you. Don't get me wrong during the process; through the ups and downs, the many emotions, the countless hours, the blood, sweat, and tears that you put in you begin to question, why am I not but the comparison is the thief of joy. Run your race in the lane God has created for you, one thing about God is he will not give you what you can't handle. So if you don't have it yet, you're not ready yet. Embrace the process, enjoy the journey."

How did you end up with the Iowa Wolves?
Cooke: "It was a blessing honestly, when we played our first game in the CIAA tournament against St. Augustine's and I dropped 31, it was this coach that saw me that was from the Baltimore area. Coach Weasel is his name, immediately after the game he got in contact with me and my people. The pure excitement and genuineness in how he believed in me and how he saw the limitless potential I had shown. So, he kept up with me through that tournament and the all-star games I played. After that, he said I have an agent I want you to sign with, the agent he referred me to was the only NBA agent with a current division II player in the league. So, it was kind of a no-brainer for me. After having multiple conversations with him and my family, coach Weasel invited me to a pro workout that was invite only. There were about 6-7 teams there and I killed it, after, some teams spoke with me but there was nothing happening. Long story short, basically the whole summer I was back and forth to Baltimore, Vegas, and Charlotte participating in pro runs in front of NBA scouts. Coach Weasel is good friends with a guy who happened to get the new GM position for the Iowa wolves, and he reached out to him and showed him my highlight tape. They wanted to see me play, so I went back to Baltimore and played in front of them. That is when they talked to me and invited me to their team's training camp. Training camp is a week-long basically where you get evaluated by the whole staff, after training camp they make cuts—I didn't get cut and was put on the official roster."

How excited are you to play with Iowa Wolves?
Cooke: "I am extremely excited and thankful for this opportunity, and I will make the most of it."

To see Javonte Cooke in action, click Here to access the Iowa Wolves' full schedule.

To follow the WSSU men's basketball team visit www.wssurams.com.