Could UCLA reignite their interest in former recruit Mookie Cook who hit the transfer portal?

Back in 2022 UCLA offered Mookie Cook a scholarship to attend the school. He ultimately chose Oregon as the school that he wanted to play for. He would go on to play two seasons there very sparingly. Then he would enter the transfer portal and settle on San Francisco for his next opportunity. He was able to have a decent season last year averaging 7.6 points and 4.2 rebounds. Doing so on shooting splits of 44.4/39.7/71.4.

Cook decided to hit the transfer portal again and should have two years of eligibility left. He only played in five games his freshman season at Oregon, which should grant him an extra year. Could UCLA look to reignite their interest that they had in him from 2022? He is not a player that is going to be a huge game changer. But he definitely is somebody that could be a spark plug off the bench that has power four experience.

Cook shouldn’t command a huge amount in NIL money. That could be something that could play a huge part of what the Bruins do in the portal. Some of the numbers that are being thrown around for these players are gigantic, and the Bruins may not have that type of money. But if they want to improve this roster, they’re going to have to make some big decisions.

If you’re able to get a guy like Cook, that could help fix some of the bench inconsistencies. You know for a fact, that interest used to be there in him. It’s curious to see whether Mick Cronin would still have some interest four years later. With Eric Freeny and Brandon Williams back in fold, the Bruins will have some experience off of the bench next season. Any production they can get would be a bonus.