By By KEVIN TRAVIS
Sports Editor
Cor-J Cox will officially become a member of the Delta Devils today.
Thanks to some help from NBA player and fellow Washington native, Damien Wilkins, Cox will be signing a basketball scholarship with Mississippi Valley State University today. Cox also sparked interest from Tennessee Chattanooga, Auburn and Chipola (Fla.), but the former Pam Pack star said signing with Mississippi Valley State was an easy choice.
“I feel great about it,” Cox said. “ I feel comfortable with the coaching staff and the area.”
Cox, who averaged 12.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, 5.7 assists, 2.3 steals and 1.0 blocks per game as a senior at Washington, played last year at Olney Central College. The 6-5, 215-pounder averaged around 4 points and 3 rebounds per game at Olney.
Cox is ready to contribute right away at Mississippi Valley, a Division I program that plays in the Southwestern Athletic Conference (SWAC). The Delta Devils went 7-25 overall and 7-11 in SWAC play last year.
“I have a lot I can bring to the table,” Cox said. “They have a new coach (Sean Woods) and I know they’re rebuilding.
“I have a starting spot already. I’m going to go there and just go hard. I know they play against some good teams.”
The SWAC is also made up of Alabama State, Jackson State, Prairie View A&M, University of Arkansas-Pine Bluff, Southern, Texas Southern, Alabama A&M, Grambling State and Alcorn State.
Cox, who will study computer technology, is setting some lofty goals for his first year with the Delta Devils.
“I want to get voted Player of the Year,” Cox said. “I want to go there and be voted Newcomer of the Year.
“I really want to get to the Big Dance (NCAA tournament). That’s my ultimate goal for this year.”
Cox is grateful for the support and help from Wilkins. The current Minnesota Timberwolves star allowed Cox to stay at his home in Atlanta, and helped showcase Cox to college programs.
“He’s a good man,” Cox said. “We relate in a lot of ways. I’m learning a lot from him and I thank him for that.”
Wilkins said he was “just doing my part” to help out Cox.
“I was just helping him get the opportunity that he deserves,” Wilkins said. “I’m really happy for him.”
Before heading off to college, Cox will participate in an Adidas Top 100 basketball camp in Texas.
“He’ll be a counselor at the camp, and then he’ll play some five-on-five in front of NBA scouts,” Wilkins said of Cox. “I’m excited about that and about the progress he’s made.”
Cox is anxious to show off his skills.
“My goal is to get some looks from the NBA scouts,” Cox said. “That should help set me up for down the road. God has a plan for me and that’s what I’m following.”
The affable Cox is hoping to shine for his hometown.
“I want to thank everybody for supporting me,” he said. “I’m going to go hard for everybody and try to put my city on the map.”