Jalen Cook's status is 'out of our hands', per Matt McMahon

Jalen Cook was a significant addition out of the transfer portal for Matt McMahon and LSU. However, after the NCAA denied his waiver for eligibility this week, the Tigers head coach is hoping they can both keep focusing on what they can focus on.

McMahon addressed Cook’s circumstances during a press conference on Thursday. At that moment, the program had no timetable for Cook to receive eligibility as it was up to those involved in the appeals process with the NCAA. That means, for now, he is going to continue to do everything with the team besides compete with their season opener just a few days away.

“(We) don’t have a timeframe,” McMahon said. “That’s out of our hands with the NCAA appeal.”

“He’s doing everything with the team – from weights to player development to film study to practice. Everything except for competition in the games,” said McMahon.

Cook spent the past two seasons with the Tulane in the American Athletic Conference. In his two seasons in New Orleans, he averaged 19 points, 4.2 assists, and 1.7 steals. In over 34 minutes per game as a starter in 48 of 50 appearances, he was the team’s overall leading scorer.

Before that, Cook started his collegiate career with LSU in ’20-’21 under Will Wade. He joined as part of a six-man group that was the No. 6 class in the 2020 cycle. In that lone original season in Baton Rouge, Cook averaged 3.1 points per game in 20 appearances.

It has been a long road for Cook to find his way back to LSU. It looks like it could be even longer depending on when the NCAA makes a decision on his future. Still, while they all try to remain patient, McMahon credited Cook for doing what he can where he can as part of their team for the time being.

“I think he has done a good job,” said McMahon.

“As you can imagine, this has put a lot of strain on him. Trying to navigate this, to see what’s going to happen,” McMahon said. “But I think he has done a good job of staying focused on the things he can control in practicing hard and getting better.”

McMahon provides injury, availability updates

With LSU set to open the ’23-’24 season on Monday, Matt McMahon provided a full injury update. There are several players whose statuses are in question when the Tigers tip off against Mississippi Valley State at home.

Trae Hannibal, Hunter Dean, and Derek Fountain all missed their exhibition game on Monday night against Louisiana Christian.

McMahon revealed that Hannibal was out with an illness but that the team expects him back at practice this week. As for Dean and Fountain, both are considered “day-to-day” and seemingly have a higher chance of missing the season opener.

“Hunter Dean was on the bench out with an injured shoulder,” McMahon said. “Day-to-day. Getting closer to 100%. Went through shootaround today and hope to have him full go on Wednesday.

“Then Derek Fountain had been playing really well. Dealing with a stomach issue that’s held him out for the last week. Again, day-to-day. Hopeful to have him back and ready to go for the opener against Mississippi Valley State.”