ARLINGTON, Texas – UTA redshirt junior guard Jarren Cook is one of several newcomers to join head coach KT Turner's program for the 2024-25 season. The Midland College transfer averaged 14.1 points per contest last year, shooting at a 45% clip from the floor for the Chaparrals and 40% from three-point range. Prior to his time at Midland, Cook began his collegiate career at Sam Houston.
 
UTAMavs.com sat down with the Dallas native following Thursday's practice:
 
What's one random fact about you?
"I love country music. Luke Bryan, Luke Combs, I like a lot of country music because it gets me chill and I like that."
 
What's the best advice you've ever received?
"I would say the best piece of advice is from my Dad. He's always told me that no matter all the downs I go through, it's always about the journey that I have coming. Just stay positive and keep level-headed and I'm going to always stay on my dreams."
 
Is there any significance behind your jersey number, 13?
"There is, actually. It was the first number my Dad wore when he started playing basketball. And in high school my first number was number one and my final number my senior year was number three, so I put it together – 1-3."
 
Who is your biggest inspiration?
"My Dad. My Dad has always been my hero – he's my hero. I wouldn't be here without him. Anything that you get from me, is from him so I give all the credit to my Dad"
 
What's your favorite home-cooked meal?
"My favorite home-cooked meal – my Mom knows about this. It's cornbread with beans and it has like ground beef in it – It's really good. My Mom is supposed to make me some soon, hopefully [laughing]."
 
What's the last song you listened to?
"Last song I listened to – this is too deep. 'Residuals' by Chris Brown. Chris Brown has been on my playlist a lot lately."
 
What's your favorite sports memory?
"I would say my senior year of high school at Newman-Smith, we went 29-0. We lost our final game of the season in the playoffs, the third round, so we went 29-1 but that was so memorable for me because I came up with all my guys my freshman year and we were all on the same team my last year of high school, so it was just very touching. I knew it was going to happen eventually, so for my final year of high school, it was just a blessing to be with the guys for sure."
 
Why UTA?
"It's home, it's home. It's 20 minutes away from my home, and I've always wanted to play at a college close to it because I want my family to be there. It means a lot to me, I've been away the last four years of college, so it finally feels good to have a homecoming. The coaching staff pushes me to work hard every day, even when I'm tired, they just push me to keep going. KT is a heck of a coach who has a great resume and I trust him."
 
What do you like to do in your free time?
"I love to swim. Swimming is my peaceful place. I love just being in the water, listening to music or just playing video games. 2K25 is my game right now! I've been telling the guys, man – 2k25! I been grinding and nobody can mess with me on 2K."
 
What's your favorite place you've traveled to?
"I would say Florida. I've been on a lot of trips to Florida with my Mom and family and Panama City was one of my favorite spots. I haven't been to Miami or certain places yet, but Panama City is one of my favorite places so far – I love it in Florida."
 
Do you have any pregame rituals?
"I always pray. I always thank God for blessing me with the time that He's been with me. He's always been with me throughout my journey. You know, I've had surgeries, have had many ups and downs, but He's always been right there on my shoulder, so I always pray to Him before I step on the court or before enter the building. I always pray to Him before I play, always."
 
Could you take KT one-on-one?
"I believe so. We both old, so you know he might have a little advantage, but I'm gonna do my thing."