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Former Pam Pack star Cox to play at Olney
By KEVIN TRAVIS, Sports Editor
Cor-J Cox is taking his high-flying act to Chicago.
The former Washington Pam Pack standout will continue his academic and athletic career at Olney Central College, a member of the Division I National Junior College Athletic Association. Cox is excited to play for the Blue Knights, who compete with the likes of Southwestern Illinois Chicago (25-5 last year) and Southeastern Illinois College (24-6 last year).
“The coach (Mike Burris) drove 12 hours to watch me play, and he said he loved what he saw,” said Cox, who is getting a full ride. “I’m happy and ready to get going.
“Going there is going to give me more exposure.”
The Blue Knights, who play in region 24 in the Great Rivers Athletic Conference, went 9-21 overall and 1-15 in conference play last year.
The 6-4, 190-pound Cox, who will play small forward, averaged 12.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.0 blocks per game his senior season with the Pam Pack. Cox, who recorded six triple-doubles during the year, earned Most Valuable Player, all-conference and WDN all-area honors.
Cox scored a season-high 23 points in wins over Havelock and Williamston, and 22 in a loss to South Central. He had six points, 18 rebounds, 10 steals and 10 assists in a win over J.H. Rose.
Cox recorded at least 12 rebounds in 10 games, while dishing out at least 10 assists five different times.
He hit 106 of 147 (72 percent) shots from 2-point range and 9 of 41 (22 percent) from 3-point land, along with 22 of 33 (66.7 percent) from the free throw line.
Cox’s high school coach, Joe Lawrence, believes his former pupil has a bright future.
“I’m really happy for him,” Lawrence said. “I wish him all the best in the world.
“He’s got a lot of potential. He’s an excellent passer, a very good defender and rebounder. We all know he can go down the floor and dunk. If he can work on that mid-range jumper, the sky is the limit. He could end up being a really good player.”
Cox, who is playing with Team Juda, an AAU team based out of Kinston, reports to school Aug. 15. He’s ready to start a new chapter in his life, and he’ll be sure to bring a heavy coat with him.
“There will be snow and cold,” he said with his customary big smile. “I’ll just wear my coat.”
Cox won’t be alone when he sets forth on his new journey.
“All I need is God and He’s going to help me follow through,” Cox said. “I also have an aunt out there so she’ll be going to my games.”
Cox, who finished his high school career with 846 points, 490 rebounds, 345 assists and 149 steals, credits those around him for helping him succeed.
“I thank all the boys (on my team) for playing hard,” Cox said. “I couldn’t have done this without them.”
He also thanked his coaches, including Lawrence and former Northside coaches, Mike Procter and Michelle Leathers.
“They all taught me a lot,” Cox said. “Coach Leathers taught me mainly the game, on and off the court, and about life itself.”
He also had high praise for his parents, Sheila Cox and Lamont Green.
“I love both of them,” Cox said. “They’ve supported me as much as they could. I’m going to keep playing hard for my dad and for my uncle (Tyrone Green).”
Cox, who finished with a 2.88 GPA and earned a 1330 on his SAT, plans to study computer technology.
When not dabbling with computers, Cox will be busy working at improving his skills on the court.
“I want to work on my all-around game,” Cox said. “I just want to get better every day.”
Cox said he models his game after LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who is currently playing with the U.S. basketball team. He also admires Washington native and current Oklahoma City player Damien Wilkins, among others.
“I also look up to a lot of local people, like Tony Boston,” Cox said. “I really looked up to my uncle, Tyrone Green. I just want to make sure I get better than him. I hope he knows that.”
Cox will get his first taste of college basketball Nov. 1 when the Blue Knights play host to Sound Doctrine.
“There’s going to be more speed, but I can adjust to it,” Cox said. “I’m just going to work hard.
“I bring a lot (to the team). The best part of my game is my vision on the court. I really like floating over defenders.”
Cox is hoping Olney is just the next step in his basketball journey.
“My coach, coach Burris, told me I just need to lift weights and just play ball and then I’ll be able to transfer in one year,” Cox said. “You’re going to be seeing me on ESPN next year.”
Former Olney center Tijan Jobe recently signed to play with the Indiana Hoosiers.
“Hopefully, they’ll come and watch me play, too,” Cox said. “I’d like Indiana, Georgetown or whichever team is interested.
“My ultimate goal is the NBA, but I do have a back-up plan,” Cox said. “I’m confident that I can make it.”
The former Washington Pam Pack standout will continue his academic and athletic career at Olney Central College, a member of the Division I National Junior College Athletic Association. Cox is excited to play for the Blue Knights, who compete with the likes of Southwestern Illinois Chicago (25-5 last year) and Southeastern Illinois College (24-6 last year).
“The coach (Mike Burris) drove 12 hours to watch me play, and he said he loved what he saw,” said Cox, who is getting a full ride. “I’m happy and ready to get going.
“Going there is going to give me more exposure.”
The Blue Knights, who play in region 24 in the Great Rivers Athletic Conference, went 9-21 overall and 1-15 in conference play last year.
The 6-4, 190-pound Cox, who will play small forward, averaged 12.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.0 blocks per game his senior season with the Pam Pack. Cox, who recorded six triple-doubles during the year, earned Most Valuable Player, all-conference and WDN all-area honors.
Cox scored a season-high 23 points in wins over Havelock and Williamston, and 22 in a loss to South Central. He had six points, 18 rebounds, 10 steals and 10 assists in a win over J.H. Rose.
Cox recorded at least 12 rebounds in 10 games, while dishing out at least 10 assists five different times.
He hit 106 of 147 (72 percent) shots from 2-point range and 9 of 41 (22 percent) from 3-point land, along with 22 of 33 (66.7 percent) from the free throw line.
Cox’s high school coach, Joe Lawrence, believes his former pupil has a bright future.
“I’m really happy for him,” Lawrence said. “I wish him all the best in the world.
“He’s got a lot of potential. He’s an excellent passer, a very good defender and rebounder. We all know he can go down the floor and dunk. If he can work on that mid-range jumper, the sky is the limit. He could end up being a really good player.”
Cox, who is playing with Team Juda, an AAU team based out of Kinston, reports to school Aug. 15. He’s ready to start a new chapter in his life, and he’ll be sure to bring a heavy coat with him.
“There will be snow and cold,” he said with his customary big smile. “I’ll just wear my coat.”
Cox won’t be alone when he sets forth on his new journey.
“All I need is God and He’s going to help me follow through,” Cox said. “I also have an aunt out there so she’ll be going to my games.”
Cox, who finished his high school career with 846 points, 490 rebounds, 345 assists and 149 steals, credits those around him for helping him succeed.
“I thank all the boys (on my team) for playing hard,” Cox said. “I couldn’t have done this without them.”
He also thanked his coaches, including Lawrence and former Northside coaches, Mike Procter and Michelle Leathers.
“They all taught me a lot,” Cox said. “Coach Leathers taught me mainly the game, on and off the court, and about life itself.”
He also had high praise for his parents, Sheila Cox and Lamont Green.
“I love both of them,” Cox said. “They’ve supported me as much as they could. I’m going to keep playing hard for my dad and for my uncle (Tyrone Green).”
Cox, who finished with a 2.88 GPA and earned a 1330 on his SAT, plans to study computer technology.
When not dabbling with computers, Cox will be busy working at improving his skills on the court.
“I want to work on my all-around game,” Cox said. “I just want to get better every day.”
Cox said he models his game after LeBron James of the Cleveland Cavaliers, who is currently playing with the U.S. basketball team. He also admires Washington native and current Oklahoma City player Damien Wilkins, among others.
“I also look up to a lot of local people, like Tony Boston,” Cox said. “I really looked up to my uncle, Tyrone Green. I just want to make sure I get better than him. I hope he knows that.”
Cox will get his first taste of college basketball Nov. 1 when the Blue Knights play host to Sound Doctrine.
“There’s going to be more speed, but I can adjust to it,” Cox said. “I’m just going to work hard.
“I bring a lot (to the team). The best part of my game is my vision on the court. I really like floating over defenders.”
Cox is hoping Olney is just the next step in his basketball journey.
“My coach, coach Burris, told me I just need to lift weights and just play ball and then I’ll be able to transfer in one year,” Cox said. “You’re going to be seeing me on ESPN next year.”
Former Olney center Tijan Jobe recently signed to play with the Indiana Hoosiers.
“Hopefully, they’ll come and watch me play, too,” Cox said. “I’d like Indiana, Georgetown or whichever team is interested.
“My ultimate goal is the NBA, but I do have a back-up plan,” Cox said. “I’m confident that I can make it.”
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