I loved watching Omar Cook play basketball at Madison Square Garden. It was the perfect setting for his collegiate debut -- the mecca, playing in the spotlight of a national television audience against two ranked teams.

	St. John's point guard Omar Cook, left, has lived up to the hype in his early-season performance.

Howard Garfinkel of Five-Star camp fame told me that Cook was the best passing guard he has seen in 35 years, and I have to admit I was impressed with the St. John's freshman. I feel he will be mentioned in the same breath as several New York City legends like Pearl Washington, Kenny Anderson and Stephon Marbury.

"The Chef," Mr. Cook was like a coach on the court at the end of the game against Kentucky. He told St. John's coach Mike Jarvis that an in-bounds play to Anthony Glover would work. Sure enough it did, and it got the Red Storm to the winner's circle.

Cook played like he was under total control and not like a diaper dandy against Kentucky and Kansas.

Yes, there were times where he tried too hard to show people he could shoot the rock. People will respect his range as a shooter, and at times his ability to make the trifecta was impressive. His perimeter performance was one thing; his feel for game was what really stood out.

I believe that Cook must utilize his ability to attack, taking opponents off the dribble.

When Cook penetrates, three good things happen: First, he can convert and score. Second, he can set up his teammates for easy baskets. Third, if the first two don't happen, he can draw fouls and get to the line. Of course, then he has to convert those free throws.

For St. John's, coming out 1-1 against two ranked teams was a great learning experience. Jarvis' team was tested by quality competition and it will only make the Red Storm better. This team will improve with experience as the chemistry gets better too.

Believe me, the St. John's players will love having Cook run the show because they know he will get them the ball. They have to be prepared for the passes, too.

"The Chef" has an unbelievable future ahead of him.

SUPER SOPHS
There are a number of super sophomores who must step it up this season. These guys need to become stars; last year was a feeling-out process. There will be more pressure to shine this year.

Let's start at Michigan State with Jason Richardson. The Spartans will be a different team without Mateen Cleaves, Morris Peterson and A.J. Granger. I feel Richardson is ready to explode. He has worked hard and fans should enjoy seeing this high-riser in action.

Down in New Jersey, Tommy Amaker will rely on Samuel Dalembert to be a force in the middle. He has improved his offensive skills and the big man will be a shot-blocking key for the Pirates.

New Illinois coach Bill Self will rely on Brian Cook to provide scoring in the interior. Cook will also be a factor on the glass.

Keith Bogans showed some of his slashing ability against UCLA in the second game of the Coaches vs. Cancer tournament. Kentucky will need Bogans to come up big in transition.

Florida will need big things from Brett Nelson in the backcourt. Nelson can handle the rock and distribute.

Keep an eye on these guys. They were up-and-down as diaper dandies. They should be special as sophs, very important if their teams are going to have big years.

RUSH, MOISO MISS OUT
While I was watching UCLA during the Coaches vs. Cancer event, I couldn't help but think that JaRon Rush and Jerome Moiso should have been on the court for the Bruins.

Those two young men are missing out -- and their decision to go into the NBA draft must be considered questionable. Moiso was recently placed on the injured list by the Celtics while Rush went undrafted and signed with the Kansas City team in the new ABA.

Steve Lavin's team is not in a rebuilding situation despite the absence of those two. The Bruins have Earl Watson running the show. There is the diaper dandy T. J. Cummings, son of former All-American and longtime NBA star Terry Cummings.

You can be sure that Terry is proud of his son. T.J. dazzled with a 24-point performance in his collegiate debut.

And Jason Kapono can flat-out shoot. I believe he will be on many All-America teams at the end of the year. Kapono's stroke is absolutely one of beauty. Add Dan Gadzuric on the interior and Lavin is going to have another solid season out at Westwood.