UNLV dismisses guard Daquan Cook from men’s basketball team

UNLV interim men's basketball coach Todd Simon announced Friday that junior Daquan Cook has been dismissed from the team.

"We appreciate all that Daquan contributed while a member of our team," Simon said in a statement. "He is on track to graduate this spring and we will continue to support him."

The 6-foot-2 point guard had played in 55 games during his four-year UNLV career. However, he had only appeared in four minutes over two games this season, making one of two field goals and grabbing one rebound.

The Baltimore native played in 53 games the previous two seasons while averaging 1.2 points a game.

He is the second UNLV player to leave the team this season. In December, center Goodluck Okonoboh requested a release from his scholarship to pursue another school.

Cook, who was sidelined with a torn ACL in August 2014, was arrested for driving under the influence prior the season. He was suspended for the first two months of this season.

"He made a serious mistake. He understands his responsibility when you put a UNLV uniform on, and he failed in that regard," former UNLV coach Rice said Nov. 3. "I'm very disappointed in Daquan. We are committed to giving him the support he needs to have the opportunity to move forward and learn from this."

Cook's playing time at point guard already was impacted by senior Jerome Seagears, sophomore Patrick McCaw and freshman Jalen Poyser.

This is a developing story. Check back for updates.

Bill Bradley is sports editor of the Review-Journal. He can be reached at bbradley@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2909. Follow on Twitter: @billbradleyLV