Mid-Major college basketball players have yearned for proper respect for years, yet the nonchalant fan stereotypes lower level basketball as lethargic and inferior to power-six programs. However, many former
We were able to contact one of College Basketball’s top mid major players and the nation’s leading rebounder, Devontae Cacok. We asked Cacock some questions about his future and his upcoming senior season at UNCW.
Cacok is a classic back-to-the-basket player. The 6’7 forward handles most of his business entrenched in the paint. Once Cacok enters the paint it’s nearly impossible for opposing defenders to stop him from scoring. The forward is able to use his savvy post moves to make opposing defenders look silly.
Cacok says he models his game after NBA post legends. Cacok stated, “Two players that I feel like I model are Kevin Garnett and Kenneth Faried.” If Devontae is able to even sniff the success that Garnett and Faried have had, Cacok will go onto have a career full of longevity and accolades.
Devontae Cacok has already had one of the more impressive College Basketball careers in history. Last season, Cacok led the NCAA in rebounds with 13.5 rebounds per game. Cacok also shot a ludicrous 58 percent from the field. Cacok is prepped for a superb senior season.
This upcoming season, Devontae Cacok and UNCW have big plans. Cacok said, “We have a lot of goals for this upcoming season, but the main goal is to win the CAA this year and make it back to the NCAA tournament.” With Cacok leading the Seahawks, UNCW could be the next giant killer come March.
In his junior season, Cacock led the Seahawks in points per game, rebounds per game, and blocks per game. When asked about how much pride he takes in having such a well rounded game, Cacok said, “I take pride in doing as much as I can for my team and putting us in a better position to win, but I usually don’t let the stats and numbers get to me, I just lay it all out on the court.” Cacok will be critical to to the success for the UNCW Seahawks.
After his senior season, Cacok said that he plans to turn pro and chase his NBA dream. When asked what he can do to improve his game and improve NBA chances, Cacok said, “ I feel like the two main things that I have been working on over the summer that could help my professional career would be my individual defense and my long range shooting.” In an era were big men shooting is becoming more and more of a necessity. It will be crucial for Cacok to develop a mid range and three point jump shot.
College Basketball has multiple diamonds in the rough, it’s obvious that Cacok is one of the brightest shining diamonds.
