He played college basketball for the Davidson Wildcats and was selected by the Cincinnati Royals as the 22nd overall pick in the 1970 NBA draft.

[4] Cook and the Wildcats made the regional final of the 1969 NCAA University Division basketball tournament; he stated in a 2011 interview, "that was probably the best team Davidson ever had.

"[2] He was selected to the All-Southern Conference first-team in 1970 when he averaged a double-double for the season with 15.6 points and 10.2 rebounds per game.

[2] He arrived at rookie camp out of shape and failed to impress head coach Bob Cousy.

[2] Cook spent the 1970–71 season with Virtus Bologna in Italy but struggled during his only year with the team.