Hallice Cooke to Oregon State

Hallice Cooke liked his visit to Oregon State so much he verbally committed while there.

The 6-foot-3, 175-pound St. Anthony shooting guard pulled the trigger Monday, choosing the Beavers over St. Joe’s, Richmond and Xavier.

“I’m excited to announce that I will be heading West to attend Oregon State University,” Cooke told SNY.tv. “It is a perfect fit for me and I look forward to playing against great competition in the Pac-12. 

“I chose OSU because of my great relationship with the coaching staff and they will put me in the best situation to succeed on and off the court. I’d like to thank my parents, Coach [Bob] Hurley, Brian Coleman, Carlos Cuerto, Ed Bright and everyoen else who helped me get to this point.

“I also want to thank all the coaches who invested their time in recruiting me.”

Cooke averaged 7.1 points, 1.9 rebounds and 1.1 assists last season when St. Anthony won the second of back-to-back New Jersey Tournament of Champions titles.

Hurley, who previously sent forward Devon Collier to Oregon STate, said the Beavers are getting an improved player who could ultimately play the point.

“He’s a way more complete player than the player who played last year,” the Hall of Fame coach said. “People were recruiting him as a spot-up shooter and a kid who played more off the ball.

“He’s worked since the end of last season until now adding complete elements. He’s a driver now. He can handle the ball. He’s more of a one than anyone would’ve ever imagined. I think ultimately that will be his position.

“I think they got a kid who improved and I think he’s going to continue to get better.”

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