JAVONTE COOKE

POSITION: Guard 

HEIGHT: 6-6 (198.1 cm) 

WEIGHT: 180 lbs (82 kg)

BIRTHDATE: July 11, 1999 (Columbia, SC)

HIGH SCHOOL: Covenant Christian Academy (Columbia, SC)

UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE: Winston-Salem State University (2022)

HOW ACQUIRED: Signed May 10, 2024

YEARS PRO: 2

BIO

PROFESSIONAL CAREER 


Entered season averaging 11.8 points, 3.9 rebounds, 2.4 assists, and 25.9 minutes in 94 games playing professionally in the NBA Summer League and NBA G League.


2024 CEBL Season (As of June 13): Averaging 14.6 points, 4.9 rebounds, 2.1 assists, 1.7 steals, and 31.6 minutes in seven games with the Brampton Honey Badgers … Reached double-figures in every game but one … Scored 17 points featuring five three-pointers vs. Saskatchewan on June 12 … Missed June 9 vs. Scarborough due to a lower-body injury … Scored 16 points while adding eight rebounds June 5 vs. Winnipeg … Tied single-game franchise record with six steals while adding 14 points June 2 at Montreal … Had a team-high 18 points with three rebounds and three assists at Niagara on May 30 … Scored 15 points and has nine rebounds in a win over Ottawa on May 26 … Had eight points, eight rebounds, and five assists May 24 vs. Niagara in the season opener.


2023-24: Averaged 16.1 points, 5.1 rebounds, 3.2 assists, and 33.1 minutes in 48 games with the Iowa Wolves in the NBA G League … Shot .364 (119-for-327) from beyond the arc on the season … Achieved 20+ points in 11 contests … Had 11 assists paired with 17 points in 42 minutes of action February 10 vs. Santa Cruz … Set a career-high in scoring with 41 points while shooting 8-for-11 (.723) from distance and adding six assists vs. Sioux Falls on February 3 … Secured 10+ rebounds in three games, including a season-best 13 vs. College Park on December 29 … Recorded four double-doubles, including 28-point and 12-rebound performance against Indiana on December 3 … Signed with the Minnesota Timberwolves on October 20 and was released the following day and assigned their NBA G League affiliate in Iowa.


2023: Averaged 6.4 points, 2.2 rebounds, and 17.0 minutes in five games with the Minnesota Timberwolves in the NBA Summer League … Scored 16 points on 7-for-9 (.778) shooting in the final game against Charlotte on August 15.


2022-23: Averaged 7.5 points, 2.7 rebounds, 1.5 assists, and 18.4 minutes in 41 games with the Iowa Wolves in the NBA G League … Scored double-figures in 14 contests, including a pair of games with 20+ points … Recorded a season-best 24 points to go with five rebounds and three assists January 6 against Salt Lake City … Had a team-high 20 points shooting 4-for-9 (.444) from beyond the arc in a loss to Ontario on December 19 … Scored 23 points in the third game of the season vs. Motor City on November 14.



UNIVERSITY / COLLEGE CAREER 


Averaged 14.7 points, 5.2 rebounds, 1.6 assists, and 28.1 minutes in 87 games in a five-year collegiate career at the University of South Carolina Aiken, Mars Hill University, and Winston-Salem State University.


2021-22: Transferred to Winston-Salem State University  … Averaged 16.6 points, 3.7 rebounds, 1.2 assists, and 30.6 minutes in 22 games … Helped the Rams claim a CIAA Southern Division title … Led the team and finished fifth in the conference in scoring, recorded double-figures in all but three contests … Went 55-for-144 (.382) from distance on the season, ranking first in the CIAA … Snatched three steals in a win over JCSU on February 16 … Scored 1,000th point with the Rams on January 29 in a 24-point effort vs. Livingstone … Recorded season-best 29 points with six triples in 39 minutes vs. JCSU on January 26 … Grabbed eight boards to go along with 14 points January 23 against Fayetteville.


2020-21: Averaged 14.7 points, 6.0 rebounds, 1.4 assists, and 28.1 minutes in 15 games with Mars Hill University … Team leader in scoring, rebounding, and steals (1.2) … Scored 10+ in all but three games, including three double-double performances … Had 19 points and secured 13 boards vs. Limestone on January 27 … Scored a season-best 23 points in consecutive games to close out the season vs. Wingate on February 27 and vs. Anderson on February 24.


2019-20: Averaged 15.9 points, 5.3 rebounds, 2.1 assists, and 28.6 minutes in 27 games in second season with Mars Hill University … Recorded a season-best 33 points while shooting 13-for-14 (.929) from the charity stripe vs. Catawba on February 8 … Had 28 points and 10 rebounds in the second double-double outing of the season January 22 vs. Lenoir-Rhyne … Dropped 24 points and had two blocks against Lincoln Memorial on January 15 … Scored 17 points with seven rebounds and seven assists vs. Elon in first of two Division-1 games on the season November 5.


2018-19: Transferred to Mars Hill University … Averaged 11.4 points, 6.1 rebounds, 1.7 assists, and 25.3 minutes in 23 games … Grabbed 10+ boards five contests, including a season-high 12 on three occasions … Had a season-best 18 points to go with 10 rebounds February 13 vs. Tusculum … Scored 16 points on 6-for-7 (.857) shooting in a win at Coker on February 2. 


2017-18: Redshirted freshman season at the University of South Carolina Aiken.



PERSONAL


Son of Jermaine and Valerie Cooke … Has two older siblings: Acqwon and Keyona.

HONEY BADGERS MAKING NOISE IN THEIR INTERNATIONAL DEBUT CAMPAIGNS

By Elias Eldridge • January 27, 2025
The 2024 Brampton Honey Badgers season had its ups and downs, but a constant highlight was the game-to-game impact from a young core making their mark in the early stages of their respective professional careers - Yaw Obeng-Mensah, Callum Baker, Cole Syllas, and Lincoln Rosebush. Transitioning to the CEBL offseason, these four Canadians are participating in their first international campaigns and have been making a serious impact. Obeng-Mensah was one of the team’s biggest surprises of the 2024 season. The 6-foot-7 forward from Niagara University played in 19-of-20 games for the Honey Badgers displaying constant heart, hustle and quality defensive versatility. He capped off his summer with career-highs across the board against Ottawa on July 29 with 25 points on 10-for-18 shooting to go along with 13 rebounds and two blocks in 37 minutes of action. Now in 13 games with Independ de Olivia in Argentina, Obeng-Mensah has been applying those same qualities in 12.0 minutes per game, including a season-best performance 12 points and six rebounds off the bench November 11 versus Obera. Coming off an elite season with the University of Toronto in 2024, Baker was looking to prove himself at the professional level entering his second stint with the Honey Badgers. He was a respectable floor spacer off the bench, averaging 2.9 points, 1.1 assists, and 15.7 minutes. So far this season in Germany with Bayreuth, Baker has stepped up as a scorer, putting up 10 games with eight or more points including a season-high of 16 points along with four assists September 28 vs. Artland. Baker is currently averaging 7.7 points, 2.8 rebounds, 2.5 assists, and 27.4 minutes in 19 contests. He has also improved his two-point field goal percentage by 12 percent, which is a great sign for his growth as an all-around scorer. Syllas made his Honey Badgers debut last season in his second go-around in the CEBL after his first professional action with Ottawa in 2023. Before having to miss the majority of the season due to a lower-body injury, Syllas logged 3.9 points, 2.1 rebounds, and 17.7 minutes per game in eight contests. In the second game of the season, Syllas faced his former squad and tallied 13 points including a 3-for-4 game from the three-point arc May 26. Now playing in Greece alongside former Honey Badger teammate Petros Melissaratos, Syllas has played a consistent bench role for Mykonou, with season-highs of eight points (3-for-3 shooting) and five rebounds coming against Proteas on October 16. Syllas was a mid-season addition to Megaridas’ lineup in early January, appearing in two games thus far and averaging 8.0 points and 10.0 rebounds. Lincoln Rosebush made his name as an all-around forward in his first professional campaign with the Honey Badgers, totalling season-highs of 10 points, six rebounds, and five assists in limited minutes throughout the 2024 season. Currently with Sangalhos in Portugal, Rosebush has blossomed, putting up 11.5 points and 5.8 rebounds per game. His season to date has been highlighted by a 24-point career-high vs. Maia Basket on November 1 and his first career double-double performance with 18 points and 11 boards vs. Sampaense on October 26. As these four players approach playoff time with their clubs, keep an eye out for them to be a contributing factor to their squads as they compete for their respective championships. The Honey Badgers 2025 campaign is set to get underway May 18 in Montreal, followed by a quick stop in the nation's capital to take on the Ottawa BlackJacks on May 21. Brampton then returns to the CAA Centre to welcome the Scarborough Shooting Stars to start the club’s third season in the city. Ticket packages to catch all of the action at the CAA Centre are now available, including season tickets , half season pack , group experiences , and more! Visit honeybadgers.ca/tickets or contact tickets@honeybadgers.ca for more information. ### About the Brampton Honey Badgers One of the original franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the 2022 CEBL Champion Brampton Honey Badgers proudly call the CAA Centre home. The Brampton front office and basketball operations department bring NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. With a vision of promoting Brampton grassroots basketball and local businesses through community and corporate engagement, the Honey Badgers will leverage the explosion of basketball as a vehicle for innovation and change. For more information visit honeybadgers.ca . About the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 75% of its rosters being Canadian and a record 12 players with NBA experience in 2024. Players also bring experience from the NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, NCAA programs, as well as U SPORTS and CCAA. Twenty-two players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. The CEBL season runs from May through August with games broadcast live on CEBL+ powered by BetVictor, TSN , TSN+ , RDS , Game+ , Next Level Sports & Entertainment and Courtside1891 . More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram , Twitter , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook & YouTube . Media Contact: Josie Pingitore - Vice President Brampton Honey Badgers jpingitore@honeybadgers.ca

HONEY BADGERS, ALGOMA UNIVERSITY EXTEND OFFICIAL PARTNERSHIP

By Elias Eldridge • January 20, 2025
The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Monday that Algoma University and the club have come to terms on an official partnership agreement for a second straight season. Algoma University prides themselves on their close-knit community who celebrate each individual’s unique personalities, values, and convictions - sentiments that are echoed by the Honey Badgers organization. “Renewing our partnership with the Brampton Honey Badgers reflects the shared successes of our first season together,” said Craig Fowler, Algoma University Vice President of Growth, International & External Relations. “We are thrilled to continue working alongside a team that shares our goals of fostering community engagement and leaving a positive and lasting impact on the communities we serve. Since 2009, Algoma University has proudly provided high-quality university programming in the heart of Brampton. Our commitment to this vibrant city is unwavering, as we view Brampton as integral to our mission.” Beginning in 2024, this partnership allows for underserved youth and families from across the region to attend Honey Badgers games courtesy of Algoma, as well as recognize community leaders from throughout Brampton through a social media co-branded campaign. “Welcoming back Algoma University as an official partner was a major priority for us this offseason,” said Chris Rodricks, senior director of business development of the Brampton Honey Badgers. “Our likeminded approach on community involvement, and our continued collaboration will be a catalyst for a positive impact on our city. This partnership is a great opportunity for both parties to continue to grow within, and give back to, the community that we call home.” With the 2025 season on the horizon, Honey Badgers fans can get excited for what is in store for the third season of professional basketball at the CAA Centre. Honey Badgers season tickets and other ticket packages are available now at honeybadgers.ca/tickets . ### About the Brampton Honey Badgers One of the original franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the 2022 CEBL Champion Brampton Honey Badgers proudly call the CAA Centre home. The Brampton front office and basketball operations department bring NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. With a vision of promoting Brampton grassroots basketball and local businesses through community and corporate engagement, the Honey Badgers will leverage the explosion of basketball as a vehicle for innovation and change. For more information visit honeybadgers.ca . About the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 73% of its 2023 rosters being Canadian. Players bring experience from the NBA, NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, and top NCAA programs as well as U SPORTS. Fourteen players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. The CEBL season runs from May through August. More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, LinkedIn, Facebook & YouTube. About Algoma University Algoma University is a public University that offers bachelor's degrees, master's degrees and graduate certificate programs in liberal arts, sciences and professional disciplines. Algoma University has three campuses in Ontario, each deeply rooted in their community: Brampton, Sault Ste. Marie and Timmins. Algoma University has a Special Mission to cultivate cross-cultural learning between Indigenous populations and other communities. For more information, please visit www.algomau.ca . Media Contact: Josie Pingitore - Vice President Brampton Honey Badgers jpingitore@honeybadgers.ca

CANADIAN BASKETBALL ICON ANDERSON RETURNS FOR SIXTH SEASON AS GENERAL MANAGER OF HONEY BADGERS

By Kyle Warrener • January 15, 2025
The Brampton Honey Badgers of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) announced Wednesday that Jermaine Anderson will once again lead the club as general manager and vice president of basketball operations, returning for a sixth season with the organization. Since being appointed general manager in December 2019, the Honey Badgers have accumulated a 43-43 (.500) overall record, featuring four consecutive CEBL Playoff appearances (2020-23), two CEBL Championship Weekend appearances (2020, 2022), and a CEBL Championship in 2022. “Despite experiencing some turnover over the past two years, our organization’s core values remain steadfast,” said Anderson. “We take immense pride in delivering a comprehensive and holistic player development experience. We are confident that we are well-positioned to foster a culture that empowers our players to excel both on and off the court.” During Anderson’s tenure, 10 players have elevated their careers to the NBA G League with four players signing contracts with NBA clubs, including Javonte Cooke (Oklahoma City Thunder), Lindell Wigginton (Milwaukee Bucks), Christian Vital (Toronto Raptors), and Nino Johnson (Utah Jazz). Since 2020, 75 of the 96 players who have worn the black and gold pinstripes have played professionally around the world in the fall following the season, excluding six players who returned to their respective university basketball programs. “Jermaine (Anderson) shares our organization's vision of creating a great experience for all our players which allows them to reach their full potential into the next stages of their careers,” said Josie Pingitore, vice president of the Brampton Honey Badgers. “He has built both a competitive and positive culture amongst our players, coaches, and staff, making our organization a desirable one to play for.” After joining the Honey Badgers organization more than five years ago, Anderson spent the CEBL off-season as a player development coach with the Shanghai Sharks of the Chinese Basketball Association from 2019-22. Before transitioning to a front office role, Anderson had an impressive 14-year playing career (2004-18) that totalled more than 80 international games representing Canada. He also suited up in 294 games for 15 teams in eight different countries across Europe from 2008-17. An Eastern Commerce Collegiate Institute graduate, Anderson earned a bachelor’s degree in marketing while playing at Fordham University. He averaged 10.6 points, 2.9 rebounds, 2.8 assists, and 30.2 minutes in 111 games during a four-year tenure with the Rams. Following his playing career, Anderson became a player development coach for Canada Basketball, handling player relations duties that ensured players had access to training facilities and health care across the country. In 2018, Anderson founded the Fifty For Free Youth Community Initiative, a not-for-profit organization based in Toronto and Halifax focused on building character, cultivating financial literacy, and developing basketball skills with youth from underserved communities. Anderson’s announcement follows the reveal of the Honey Badgers expanded 2025 schedule in December, featuring a slate of 24 games. Brampton’s campaign opens on the road May 18 against the Montreal Alliance, followed by a visit to the nation’s capital May 21 to take on the Ottawa BlackJacks. The Honey Badgers will then return home to host the Scarborough Shooting Stars on May 25 in the club’s home opener. Ticket packages to catch all of the action at the CAA Centre are now available, including season tickets , half season pack , group experiences , and more! Visit honeybadgers.ca/tickets or contact tickets@honeybadgers.ca for more information. ### About the Brampton Honey Badgers One of the original franchises of the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL), the 2022 CEBL Champion Brampton Honey Badgers proudly call the CAA Centre home. The Brampton front office and basketball operations department bring NBA, NBA G League, national team, NCAA and major international pro league experience to the franchise. With a vision of promoting Brampton grassroots basketball and local businesses through community and corporate engagement, the Honey Badgers will leverage the explosion of basketball as a vehicle for innovation and change. For more information visi t www.honeybadgers.ca . About the Canadian Elite Basketball League (CEBL) A league created by Canadians for Canadians with a mission to develop Canadian players, coaches, sports executives, and referees, the CEBL boasts the highest percentage of Canadian players of any pro league in the country with 75% of its rosters being Canadian and a record 12 players with NBA experience in 2024. Players also bring experience from the NBA G League, top international pro leagues, the Canadian National team program, NCAA programs, as well as U SPORTS and CCAA. Twenty-two players have signed NBA contracts following a CEBL season, and numerous CEBL players attend NBA G League training camps every year. The CEBL season runs from May through August with games broadcast live on CEBL+ powered by BetVictor, TSN , TSN+ , RDS , Game+ , Next Level Sports & Entertainment and Courtside1891 . More information about the CEBL is available at CEBL.ca and @cebleague on Instagram , Twitter , TikTok , LinkedIn , Facebook & YouTube . Media Contact: Kyle Warrener - Manager, Communications and Service Brampton Honey Badgers kwarrener@honeybadgers.ca



PROFESSIONAL STATISTICS **BEFORE 2024 CEBL SEASON

Totals

Year Team G MIN PTS 2FGP 3FGP FT RO RD RT AS PF BS ST TO
2023-24 Iowa (NBA G League) 48 1591 772 155-294 119-327 66-87 48 198 246 155 121 42 53 113
2023 Minnesota (NBA Summer League) 5 85 32 7-15 5-16 3-4 4 7 11 4 12 3 2 3
2022-23 Iowa (NBA G League) 41 756 308 62-112 46-144 26-40 32 78 110 63 55 18 28 38
Totals 94 2432 1112 224-421 170-487 95-131 84 283 367 222 188 63 83 154

Averages

Year Team G MIN PTS 2FGP 3FGP FT RO RD RT AS PF BS ST TO
2023-24 Iowa (NBA G League) 48 33.1 16.1 0.527 0.364 0.759 1.0 4.1 5.1 3.2 2.5 0.9 1.1 2.4
2023 Minnesota (NBA Summer League) 5 17.0 6.4 0.467 0.313 0.750 0.8 1.4 2.2 0.8 2.4 0.6 0.4 0.6
2022-23 Iowa (NBA G League) 41 18.4 7.5 0.554 0.319 0.650 0.8 1.9 2.7 1.5 1.3 0.4 0.7 0.9
Totals 94 25.9 11.8 0.532 0.349 0.725 0.9 3.0 3.9 2.4 2.0 0.7 0.9 1.6

COLLEGIATE STATISTICS

Totals

Year Team G MIN PTS 2FGP 3FGP FT RO RD RT AS PF BS ST TO
2021-22 Winston-Salem State University 22 673 366 74-136 55-144 53-72 8 74 82 26 26 15 34 37
2020-21 Mars Hill University 15 422 221 56-124 21-64 46-64 11 79 90 21 37 9 18 34
2019-20 Mars Hill University 27 772 428 130-257 23-70 99-137 31 112 143 58 64 26 29 65
2018-19 Mars Hill University 23 582 263 99-154 8-40 41-63 39 101 140 38 49 29 21 41
Totals 87 2449 1278 359-671 107-318 239-336 89 366 455 143 176 79 102 177
Averages
Year Team G MIN PTS 2FGP 3FGP FT RO RD RT AS PF BS ST TO
2021-22 Winston-Salem State University 22 30.6 16.6 0.544 0.382 0.736 0.4 3.4 3.7 1.2 1.2 0.7 1.5 1.7
2020-21 Mars Hill University 15 28.1 14.7 0.452 0.328 0.719 0.7 5.3 6.0 1.4 2.5 0.6 1.2 2.3
2019-20 Mars Hill University 27 28.6 15.9 0.506 0.329 0.723 1.1 4.1 5.3 2.1 2.4 1.0 1.1 2.4
2018-19 Mars Hill University 23 25.3 11.4 0.643 0.200 0.651 1.7 4.4 6.1 1.7 2.1 1.3 0.9 1.8
Totals 87 28.1 14.7 0.535 0.336 0.711 1.0 4.2 5.2 1.6 2.0 0.9 1.2 2.0
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