Cook returns to sign for Sharks

The 6’4” guard/forward will rejoin the team next month to start the new season preparations with team-mates Mike Tuck and Patrick Horstmann and what is expected to be new additions to the squad.

“I am excited to be coming back to Sheffield, it feels like family here and home away from home, I have had great experiences and good support on and off the court” said Cook. “I feel like we have a reputation to recover, last season was definitely not what we expect at this club and we need to set our record straight!”.

A former MVP of the British Basketball League, Cook hails from Pittsburgh University where he was an NBA prospect until a critical knee injury sidelined him. His passion and determination saw his return to the game, firstly at the Sharks before enjoying contracts in Poland, Qatar and Iceland on his way back to Sheffield.

The Sharks head coach Atiba Lyons, presently in the United States on a recruitment campaign, is thrilled to welcome Cook back.

“Mike is a very focussed player with a winning mentality, the programme he came from as a high pedigree of graduates and everyone who has seen him play knows what he is capable of. However, he is a mature player with a lot to offer younger guys in terms of their development on the court and their preparation off the court”, said Lyons.

With three returning players so far to the roster the Sharks head coach was buoyant about the year ahead.

“I am looking forward to it, I haven’t finalised my roster I am still looking at a couple of critical pieces but I have a plan and if I get what I am looking for with the quality of maturity on the team I have I am optimistic,” said Lyons.

The Sharks campaign begins on Friday September 18 when they host Newcastle Eagles at the EISS, tip off 7.30pm.