Dana Altman announces serious injury for elite freshman
Dana Altman delivered some tough injury news on Wednesday morning.
Altman told reporters that 4-star freshman wing Mookie Cook recently underwent surgery on his ankle and will miss the beginning of the 2023-24 season. Altman said Cook is expected to be out until December or January.
Dana Altman just said that 5-star freshman Mookie Cook underwent surgery on his ankle and is expected to be out until December or January.
— Zachary Neel (@zacharycneel) October 11, 2023
Cook missing extended time is a big blow for Oregon in 2023-24. He was an elite prospect in the class of 2023. He finished the cycle as the No. 30 overall player and the No. 6 small forward in the country for his class, per 247Sports Composite rankings.
Cook is part of a star-studded Oregon recruiting class for 2023. The Ducks’ class finished at No. 8 nationally, per 247Sports Composite rankings.
Oregon is hoping to get back on track this season after a couple of down years under coach Dana Altman. Oregon has missed the NCAA Tournament in each of the past two seasons.
With Cook’s injury timeline, he’s likely to miss all of nonconference play. The Ducks’ nonconference slate this season includes games vs. Georgia, Michigan and Syracuse. The Ducks will begin Pac-12 play on Dec. 28 vs. USC.