Javonte Cooke’s NBA Debut Marks Milestone Moment for HBCU Basketball

The Chicago Bulls’ 122-121 win over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday carried an unexpected layer of significance beyond the final score. Amid a tightly contested finish, Portland turned to a new face in its rotation—rookie guard Javonte Cooke, a former HBCU standout whose journey to the league has been anything but conventional. Though Cooke logged only brief minutes off the bench, the appearance represented a meaningful achievement, both for him and for the broader landscape of historically Black colleges and universities.

Cooke became the first HBCU alumnus to appear in an NBA game since Robert Covington, ending a multi-year gap and drawing attention to the limited but growing pathways from Division II HBCU levels to professional basketball’s biggest stage. His performance—four points, one assist, and a steal—offered a glimpse of the skill set Portland believes can eventually help stabilize its rotation as the team pursues a playoff push in the Western Conference.

The game also offered Cooke an early taste of NBA pace and physicality, something he has been striving toward since leaving Winston-Salem State after a standout collegiate career. For the Blazers, the decision to give Cooke meaningful minutes reflected a willingness to test young talent amid a competitive season.

As Portland continues to reshape its roster, Cooke’s debut signaled the beginning of a new chapter—one not only defined by his growth, but by the broader visibility he brings to HBCU basketball at the professional level.

1. From WSSU Star to Pro Prospect

Cooke’s ascent began at Winston-Salem State, one of the most storied basketball programs in the CIAA. Playing for the Rams, he quickly established himself as a primary scoring option, showcasing the perimeter touch and versatility that later drew NBA interest. During the 2021–22 season, he averaged 17.5 points and nearly 40% shooting from three-point range, anchoring the Rams’ offense. One of the defining moments of his college career came during the CIAA Tournament, when Cooke erupted for a season-high 31 points. That performance helped secure a key victory and further solidified his standing as one of the conference’s most dynamic offensive players. His scoring arsenal, length, and shooting efficiency positioned him as a standout amid a competitive field of Division II talent. Before arriving at WSSU, Cooke spent time at USC-Aiken and Mars Hill University, stops that allowed him to develop into a more polished and confident scorer. Each stage sharpened a different part of his game, ultimately preparing him for the demands of higher-level basketball. By the time he left WSSU, Cooke had built a resume strong enough to earn NBA looks—a rarity for Division II players, and even more so for athletes coming from HBCU programs.

2. Climbing the Professional Ladder

Cooke’s professional path began with the Iowa Wolves during the 2022–23 G League season, where he worked to acclimate to the size and speed of the pro game. His time there led to a spot with the Minnesota Timberwolves’ 2023 Summer League roster, an important exposure window for undrafted players seeking to stand out. After a slow start to summer play, Cooke finished strong. He posted back-to-back double-digit scoring games to close out the tournament, including a team-high 16 points against the Charlotte Hornets. That late surge helped him gain traction with NBA evaluators and opened the door for his next opportunity. In 2024, he signed an Exhibit 10 contract with the eventual NBA champion Oklahoma City Thunder. The deal gave him a training camp invitation and a potential pathway to the G League for further development. Exhibit 10 agreements, per Yahoo Sports, provide a one-year minimum salary and a possible $75,000 bonus if the player is waived but spends at least 60 days with the team’s G League affiliate. Following his stint with the Thunder organization, Portland signed Cooke to a two-way contract—an arrangement that splits a player’s time between the NBA and G League. It was this contract that ultimately positioned him for his debut against Chicago.

3. A Message to Future HBCU Stars

Cooke’s debut resonated far beyond Portland’s locker room, offering inspiration to players across HBCU athletics. For Division II programs in particular, the path to the NBA is narrow, and Cooke’s arrival on the league’s stage serves as a reminder that talent can be discovered anywhere. In an interview with HBCU Gameday, Cooke shared a message to athletes who hope to follow a similar path: “I’d say just don’t count yourself out. The whole world [counts you out]. You’re a D2 HBCU basketball player. Coming from the league, they’re not even looking at you. Just don’t count yourself out.” His remarks reflect both the challenges and determination required to break through. For Portland, Cooke’s work ethic and perseverance have made him an appealing developmental piece. The Blazers see potential for him to become a rotational contributor as he continues to adjust to NBA speed and spacing. His shooting ability and defensive activity fit the mold of modern two-way guards. As the season progresses, Cooke’s opportunities may grow, especially as Portland navigates roster injuries, lineup experimentation and the long-term search for depth. For the league and HBCU basketball, his presence alone brings renewed attention to talent pipelines that often go overlooked.