Cook enjoys return to Fayetteville
Arlando Cook signed with Mike Anderson and the Razorbacks in November, but this weekend was his first chance to get on campus for an official visit.
The 6-7, 205-pound forward from Connors State C.C. in Warner (Okla.) said his time in Fayetteville couldn't have gone any better.
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"It was beautiful," Cook said. "I didn't think a lot of people knew who I was, but I came in here and a lot of people knew who I was. I felt like that was a good thing. A lot of people welcomed me here."
Cook is part of a 2016 class that includes three of the nation's top junior college prospects, along with guards Daryl Macon and Jaylen Barford, and he believes they'll be able to give the Hogs a quick turnaround next season.
"With us being JUCO guys and guys that are supposed to come in and make a major impact, I feel like we will help a lot," Cook said. "With guys like Anton and Moses, if he comes back, I feel like we'll be a big help to those guys. They're all experienced. We can help a lot."
Arkansas stands at 5-4 on the year after suffering a couple of close losses early on, but the Razorbacks are getting key players back from suspensions and appear to be steadily improving as of late.
"With them not having the three (suspended) guys from last year, I feel like that kind of pushed them back a little bit," Cook said. "They're going to get back with the guys they've got now. As they get more comfortable, they're going to get back."
Connors State's season has gotten off to a better start, as Cook has helped his current team win 13 of its first 14 contests.
"We've just been trying to play consistently," he said. "We're 13-1 and ranked No. 9 right now. We're just trying to stay consistent and make it to the tournament."
Cook will give the Hogs a much-needed big man when he arrives on campus next year.
"I like to run. I can defend multiple positions, I'm real versatile," he said of his strengths. "I can score with my back to the basket and face up. I can hit 18-foot jump shots."