Nevada Forward Malik Cooke Transfers To South Carolina

COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Former Nevada starter Malik Cooke has joined the South Carolina men’s basketball team as a walk-on transfer.

Coach Darrin Horn said the 6-foot-5 Cooke must sit out the 2009-10 season under NCAA transfer rules. Cooke, from Charlotte, N.C., said he transferred to get closer to home and thought South Carolina was the best place for him to grow as a player.

Cooke will have two seasons of eligibility remaining after next year. The school said Cooke will pay his own way this season and will be able to practice with the team.

Cooke started all 34 games last season for Nevada, averaging 9.6 points and 6.2 rebounds a game.