BREAKING NEWS: Missouri Tigers Men’s Basketball Star Guard Brady Cook Has Done It Again, Making Shocking Announcement; Head Coach Dennis Gates Reacts in Disbelief
Columbia, MO – In a stunning turn of events that has sent shockwaves throughout the college basketball world, Missouri Tigers men’s basketball star Brady Cook has made yet another headline-grabbing move. Cook, widely recognized for his stellar performances on the court, took to social media this afternoon with a cryptic message that quickly evolved into a bombshell announcement: he is declaring for the 2025 NBA Draft, foregoing his final year of collegiate eligibility.
The announcement came just days after Missouri wrapped up their season with a dramatic run in the NCAA tournament, where Cook played a pivotal role in leading the Tigers to the Elite Eight. Known for his clutch three-point shooting, aggressive defense, and unmatched energy, Cook averaged 17.8 points, 5.2 assists, and 1.9 steals per game this season.
Cook’s message, posted on his X (formerly Twitter) account, read:
“This journey has been unforgettable. From the Zou to the big dreams—I’m ready for what’s next. Thank you, Mizzou Nation. Declare for the 2025 NBA Draft. Let’s go.”
The post immediately exploded across social media platforms, with fans and analysts alike sharing mixed reactions. Some praised his decision, pointing to his NBA-ready game and draft stock, which many experts now project in the late first round. Others expressed disappointment, hoping he’d return for one final season to lead the Tigers to a Final Four appearance.
However, no one appeared more shocked than Missouri head coach Dennis Gates, who learned of the announcement not during a team meeting or a formal conversation, but just moments before the news went public.
In an emotional press conference shortly after the announcement, Gates appeared visibly stunned.
“I love Brady like a son,” Gates said. “He’s a once-in-a-generation talent, but more importantly, he’s a leader. I won’t pretend I’m not surprised—this caught me off guard. We had conversations about next season, about leadership, unfinished business. But I respect his decision and will support him every step of the way.”
Gates later revealed that Cook had hinted at a major decision but did not explicitly inform the coaching staff ahead of time. Sources close to the program say the team had expected Cook to return, especially after his emotional speech following their Elite Eight loss.
The announcement adds an unexpected twist to Missouri’s offseason strategy. With Cook gone, the Tigers will now need to rely on rising sophomore Malik Rivers and incoming 5-star recruit Trey Holloway to fill the backcourt void.
Cook’s legacy at Missouri remains intact, with his jersey already being discussed for future retirement honors. Whether or not he returns to the program in a different role down the line, one thing is certain: Brady Cook has left an indelible mark on Mizzou basketball.
Stay tuned for more updates on Cook’s NBA journey and Missouri’s plans to regroup for next season.
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