From Tragedy to Triumph: Timelycook Living Out His Dream

The Cincinnati native brings vast basketball knowledge, experience and heart to Kings Guard.

Trent Donald, also known as Timelycook on the sticks, grew up in an inner-city neighborhood in Cincinnati, Ohio. Like many NBA2K gamers, he fell in love with basketball at an early age.

“Coach Eric put the ball in my hands and took me under his wing,” said Cook as he reflected on his hoops beginnings. “I would go to his house every weekend to work on basketball, which kept me out of trouble.”

The 6-foot-3 forward played AAU and went on to play at Cincinnati State, where he finished his college career averaging 12.3 points on 50-percent shooting in 27 games.

“I grew up in a basketball family,” the hooper-turned-gamer continued. “It was all we knew.”

(Cred: Cincinnati State)

Unfortunately, his career was cut short due to a knee injury sustained in the 2013-14 season. While his time in college ended abruptly, Cook found another lane to continue enjoying the game he loves – 2K.

In the face of challenge, the Ohio native found inspiration in the tragic loss of a loved one.

“Last year, my brother got killed to gun violence,” Cook revealed. “He’s my motivation, I play this game for him. He loved video games. He was the person I always called to tell him about the game and send him pictures of my stats. Now I can’t do that anymore.”

If something doesn’t go his way, it’s the memory of his beloved brother that keeps him going.

“I wake up and he’s my motivation, that’s how I handle adversity.”

Last week, Kings Guard held an event with Build.Black. Coalition and local STEM students. There, Cook shared his story, and explained how overcoming sorrow has helped him live out his dream.

“It’s not so much about the game play, but what you do as a person.”

During a community event with @BuildBlack10, Kings Guard shares their stories on becoming professional eSports players with local STEM students. pic.twitter.com/CsLdUK6EBD

— Kings Guard (@KingsGuardGG) July 26, 2018

Now part of the inaugural NBA 2K league season, the Kings Guard forward is leading his team on defense, where he ranks fifth in the League in steals, and making an impact on offense, averaging 14 points and eight assists per game.

“Basketball is my passion,” said Cook reflecting on his journey. “Never give up. You can fulfill your dreams through other things. When one door closes, another opens. I’m still living my basketball dreams but through a video game.”

Follow @TimelyCook on Twitter and watch the squad take on Blazer5Gaming on July 28 at 3 p.m.