An Apology to Tyler Cook

[NCHawk24]

Every player and coach on our team earned a great deal of respect for the heart and will to win they showed over the last 2 games! IMO Tyler Cook earned a special mention, and an apology from me. Here is why;

Friday, in his 1st appearance in the NCAA Tournament he played, what I thought was his worst game in an Iowa uniform. But he didn't hang his head and pout. Instead he kept his spirit up, encouraged his teammates and celebrated when the players that replaced him played well.

His performance in the 1st 1/2 on Sunday was worse than Friday. I want to stop there for a moment and put myself in his shoes. We're playing, arguably, the best team in the country, we are down 21 at 1/2. Our chances of winning this game are vanishingly small. I haven't played well in a game and a 1/2. I'm, (hopefully not), but probably going to start looking for an agent tomorrow. And I took a shot to my knee that really scared me. What would I do in that situation? I can't honestly say my attitude wouldn't be "hey, go through the motion, but you've got a future to think about", and then come out and stay out of danger. Honestly, that's what I expected him to do.

But that's not what he did. He didn't necessarily put this team on his shoulders, but he did lead the way. By his performance early in the 2nd 1/2 he showed that he was still WITH this team and willing to do what ever he could to win. Put aside his points and rebounds...his effort alone, in the 2nd 1/2, showed me this young man has tremendous character. And I sincerely apologize for doubting him! I hope he stays!

 

[ROCKY MOUNTAIN HAWK]

Good post.

 

[VicHawkeye]

Well said OP. The whole team is high character, extra effort group. Tyler Cook has been an absolute warrior for this program.

 

[IowaNiceHawk]

It would be GREAT to see TC in Hawkeye Black n Gold, next season,
too !! Go Hawks

 

[hawkeyeguy69]

It would be GREAT to see TC in Hawkeye Black n Gold, next season,
too !! Go Hawks

It could be a real special year next season. Having almost everyone back is huge. Plus we add some good talent.... Already looking forward to it!

 

[onionman1]

Well said OP - and I feel the same way.

 

[AJBHawkeye]

I need to apologize as well! We didn't win the game, but what we did in the second half was pretty damn amazing. The kids (and they are just kids) fought their tails off and put them in the position to win it. They showed their toughness and fight which was damn spectacular. They showed how they love each others as teammates and as brothers. Garza leaning on Baer and Baer being the person who comforted his brothers. The love JBO, Garza, and others gave Baer after the game was moving. So although I was frustrated at Cook the first half for being ineffective, it was awesome to see the hunger and desire in him when he came out the second half. Hope he comes back with a chip on his shoulder because I think he thrives on his emotions. Sometimes you take the L in the game, but I think these kids are going to take the W in life.

 

[Hawk_4shur]

Every player and coach on our team earned a great deal of respect for the heart and will to win they showed over the last 2 games! IMO Tyler Cook earned a special mention, and an apology from me. Here is why;

Friday, in his 1st appearance in the NCAA Tournament he played, what I thought was his worst game in an Iowa uniform. But he didn't hang his head and pout. Instead he kept his spirit up, encouraged his teammates and celebrated when the players that replaced him played well.

His performance in the 1st 1/2 on Sunday was worse than Friday. I want to stop there for a moment and put myself in his shoes. We're playing, arguably, the best team in the country, we are down 21 at 1/2. Our chances of winning this game are vanishingly small. I haven't played well in a game and a 1/2. I'm, (hopefully not), but probably going to start looking for an agent tomorrow. And I took a shot to my knee that really scared me. What would I do in that situation? I can't honestly say my attitude wouldn't be "hey, go through the motion, but you've got a future to think about", and then come out and stay out of danger. Honestly, that's what I expected him to do.

But that's not what he did. He didn't necessarily put this team on his shoulders, but he did lead the way. By his performance early in the 2nd 1/2 he showed that he was still WITH this team and willing to do what ever he could to win. Put aside his points and rebounds...his effort alone, in the 2nd 1/2, showed me this young man has tremendous character. And I sincerely apologize for doubting him! I hope he stays!

So, he played 25% of two games very well, and the other 75% was the worst he'd played in an Iowa uniform, and you feel like you need to apologize to him?

TC is a great player some of the time, and at other times he is a liability on the court. He makes about as many mistakes as he makes great plays. His ball handling and decision making are not good.

I want him to come back too, the Hawks need his upside. But he's got a lot to work on.

 

[NCHawk24]

So, he played 25% of two games very well, and the other 75% was the worst he'd played in an Iowa uniform, and you feel like you need to apologize to him?

TC is a great player some of the time, and at other times he is a liability on the court. He makes about as many mistakes as he makes great plays. His ball handling and decision making are not good.

I want him to come back too, the Hawks need his upside. But he's got a lot to work on.

I think you missed my point. I expected him to come out in the 2nd 1/2 and go through the motions. Given;

1. The likelihood of us actually getting back into the game, let alone winning was pretty slim at that point.

2. It's probably 60/40 this is his last game at Iowa and he can't afford an injury.

3. He took a shot to his knee in the 1st half that probably scared him.

You have to admit most players, who will likely play at the next level (NBA, D-League, or Europe), would have been thinking "Just don't get hurt." Some football players even skip entire bowl games.

But he didn't do that. He came out and gave us a quick spark that ignited this team to an undeniably amazing run. That is worthy or recognition regardless what he had or had not done throughout his career.

My apology was for thinking he cared more about himself than he did this team. I was wrong. So I apologized for it. I didn't say it made him the greatest player in Hawkeye history.

 

[Hawk_4shur]

I think you missed my point. I expected him to come out in the 2nd 1/2 and go through the motions. Given;

1. The likelihood of us actually getting back into the game, let alone winning was pretty slim at that point.

2. It's probably 60/40 this is his last game at Iowa and he can't afford an injury.

3. He took a shot to his knee in the 1st half that probably scared him.

You have to admit most players, who will likely play at the next level (NBA, D-League, or Europe), would have been thinking "Just don't get hurt." Some football players even skip entire bowl games.

But he didn't do that. He came out and gave us a quick spark that ignited this team to an undeniably amazing run. That is worthy or recognition regardless what he had or had not done throughout his career.

My apology was for thinking he cared more about himself than he did this team. I was wrong. So I apologized for it. I didn't say it made him the greatest player in Hawkeye history.

Yes, perhaps I did miss your point, but I still don't think you owe him a apology.

 

[NCHawk24]

Yes, perhaps I did miss your point, but I still don't think you owe him a apology.

Fair enough.

 

[hawkeyeguy69]

I think you missed my point. I expected him to come out in the 2nd 1/2 and go through the motions. Given;

1. The likelihood of us actually getting back into the game, let alone winning was pretty slim at that point.

2. It's probably 60/40 this is his last game at Iowa and he can't afford an injury.

3. He took a shot to his knee in the 1st half that probably scared him.

You have to admit most players, who will likely play at the next level (NBA, D-League, or Europe), would have been thinking "Just don't get hurt." Some football players even skip entire bowl games.

But he didn't do that. He came out and gave us a quick spark that ignited this team to an undeniably amazing run. That is worthy or recognition regardless what he had or had not done throughout his career.

My apology was for thinking he cared more about himself than he did this team. I was wrong. So I apologized for it. I didn't say it made him the greatest player in Hawkeye history.

They have insurance for injuries. Iowa can get some for him. That would certainly cover him, if he needs it.

TC needs another year to develop. And if he improves like he did the last two summers, he'll be damn good next year and be able to showcase his talents... And on a really good team! The spotlight cannot hurt his future professional career. Scouts are at a lot of Iowa games. And they watch highlights. Cook will have a LOT of highlights next year

 

[NCHawk24]

They have insurance for injuries. Iowa can get some for him. That would certainly cover him, if he needs it.

TC needs another year to develop. And if he improves like he did the last two summers, he'll be damn good next year and be able to showcase his talents... And on a really good team! The spotlight cannot hurt his future professional career. Scouts are at a lot of Iowa games. And they watch highlights. Cook will have a LOT of highlights next year

I agree 100%

 

[PersianHawk]

I think Conner detractors need to apologize to him too. People forget that he was the inbounder on those last second shots Bohannon made. All of them tough passes, one clear from one of the court to the other. And some idiots are already attacking Patrick, the 58 th ranked player in this year’s recruiting class. I bet they haven’t watched seen him play.

Criticism of Cook, the only Iowa player to make it to second All B1G team, the top scorer and rebounder on the team was terribly misplaced, so I’m glad someone started this thread. Did he have some bad games, yes, but I guarantee you that we will hear something about his knee during the off-season.

 

[michael.nelson311]

Soft

 

[hawkosx]

Soft

Your penis?

 

[Tylerl_28]

But that's not what he did. He didn't necessarily put this team on his shoulders, but he did lead the way. By his performance early in the 2nd 1/2 he showed that he was still WITH this team and willing to do what ever he could to win. Put aside his points and rebounds...his effort alone, in the 2nd 1/2, showed me this young man has tremendous character. And I sincerely apologize for doubting him! I hope he stays!

there was only one rebound to put aside. thats what he had in 24 2nd half/overtime minutes...one rebound.

 

[HawkInArk]

So, he played 25% of two games very well, and the other 75% was the worst he'd played in an Iowa uniform, and you feel like you need to apologize to him?

TC is a great player some of the time, and at other times he is a liability on the court. He makes about as many mistakes as he makes great plays. His ball handling and decision making are not good.

I want him to come back too, the Hawks need his upside. But he's got a lot to work on.

We're in an era where we praise for trying hard. Way to go Tyler Cook! You didn't hang your head and pout! We all hope to have your great, CLUTCH free-throw shooting back next season. Of course we also hope to have your terrific dribbling and outside shooting skills grace this team once again (he does indeed know how to dunk, I'll give him that and it would be missed)........

 

[CuttyDoesIt]

Cook became the whipping boy for a lot of fans. We are going to miss him next year.

 

[NI hawk]

So, he played 25% of two games very well, and the other 75% was the worst he'd played in an Iowa uniform, and you feel like you need to apologize to him?

TC is a great player some of the time, and at other times he is a liability on the court. He makes about as many mistakes as he makes great plays. His ball handling and decision making are not good.

I want him to come back too, the Hawks need his upside. But he's got a lot to work on.

Agree.
Tyler Cook NCAA Tourney stats
Cincy
FG 1-9 FT 3-5 REB 5 TO 1 AST 4
Tenn
FG 4-12 FT 3-6 REB 2 TO 3 Ast 2
Total
FG 5-21 FT 6-11 REB 7 TO 4 AST 6
A good opening 2nd half against Tenn but not much else.

 

[RocknRollface]

Every player and coach on our team earned a great deal of respect for the heart and will to win they showed over the last 2 games! IMO Tyler Cook earned a special mention, and an apology from me. Here is why;

Friday, in his 1st appearance in the NCAA Tournament he played, what I thought was his worst game in an Iowa uniform. But he didn't hang his head and pout. Instead he kept his spirit up, encouraged his teammates and celebrated when the players that replaced him played well.

His performance in the 1st 1/2 on Sunday was worse than Friday. I want to stop there for a moment and put myself in his shoes. We're playing, arguably, the best team in the country, we are down 21 at 1/2. Our chances of winning this game are vanishingly small. I haven't played well in a game and a 1/2. I'm, (hopefully not), but probably going to start looking for an agent tomorrow. And I took a shot to my knee that really scared me. What would I do in that situation? I can't honestly say my attitude wouldn't be "hey, go through the motion, but you've got a future to think about", and then come out and stay out of danger. Honestly, that's what I expected him to do.

But that's not what he did. He didn't necessarily put this team on his shoulders, but he did lead the way. By his performance early in the 2nd 1/2 he showed that he was still WITH this team and willing to do what ever he could to win. Put aside his points and rebounds...his effort alone, in the 2nd 1/2, showed me this young man has tremendous character. And I sincerely apologize for doubting him! I hope he stays!

Lol, an agent.

Get me on the phone with eastern Europe immediately. It's time to make a few thousand dollars.

 

[owenhawk]

I’ve been hard on Cook but quite frankly in my opinion he has deserved it. And you don’t owe him an apology nor does anyone else on here.

Like pretty much everyone else, I was thrilled and proud and emotional of what they did in the 2nd Half against TN. And that was great that Cook could finally contribute positively and decided to go all out along with his teammates to make that amazing comeback. But for all the people RIGHTFULLY praising Nicholas Baer for his great career and his leaving everything on the floor every minute and giving 100% effort at all times, fans shouldn’t be scolded for questioning why Cook hasn’t done the same thing that Baer has this year and Cook shouldn’t be praised or put on a pedestal because he decided to go all out in the second half of the last game of the year.

Cook is more talented then Baer. Baer literally maximized all of his resources and effort to build himself into a good player who could be a legitimate Big Ten player. No one can question this. To me, that is what is maddening with Cook. I know he is talented and athletic and smart yet too often this year I have seen him not get on the floor for 50/50 loose balls while the person on other team next to him does. I’ve seem him not hustle for balls going out of bounds. I have seen him loaf back on Defense. I’ve seen him stand there while players on the other team went over him (a guy who we know is a ferocious dunker and athlete) and around him to gobble up rebounds he should get with ease because he has position. I’m not even talking about the “skill” issues like the sloppy passing and ball handling, the FT shooting that is never clutch, and the perplexing inability to finish lay-ups and dunks in recent weeks.

It’s the effort. That should never be questioned in these players because as Baer has shown, it is something that any player can give. And if anyone says they haven’t seen a lack of effort at times with Cook, then they aren’t being honest. So excuse me if I’m not going to hold him the same high-esteem that Baer is getting and deserves.

 

[wbrhawkeye]

I’ve been hard on Cook but quite frankly in my opinion he has deserved it. And you don’t owe him an apology nor does anyone else on here.

Like pretty much everyone else, I was thrilled and proud and emotional of what they did in the 2nd Half against TN. And that was great that Cook could finally contribute positively and decided to go all out along with his teammates to make that amazing comeback. But for all the people RIGHTFULLY praising Nicholas Baer for his great career and his leaving everything on the floor every minute and giving 100% effort at all times, fans shouldn’t be scolded for questioning why Cook hasn’t done the same thing that Baer has this year and Cook shouldn’t be praised or put on a pedestal because he decided to go all out in the second half of the last game of the year.

Cook is more talented then Baer. Baer literally maximized all of his resources and effort to build himself into a good player who could be a legitimate Big Ten player. No one can question this. To me, that is what is maddening with Cook. I know he is talented and athletic and smart yet too often this year I have seen him not get on the floor for 50/50 loose balls while the person on other team next to him does. I’ve seem him not hustle for balls going out of bounds. I have seen him loaf back on Defense. I’ve seen him stand there while players on the other team went over him (a guy who we know is a ferocious dunker and athlete) and around him to gobble up rebounds he should get with ease because he has position. I’m not even talking about the “skill” issues like the sloppy passing and ball handling, the FT shooting that is never clutch, and the perplexing inability to finish lay-ups and dunks in recent weeks.

It’s the effort. That should never be questioned in these players because as Baer has shown, it is something that any player can give. And if anyone says they haven’t seen a lack of effort at times with Cook, then they aren’t being honest. So excuse me if I’m not going to hold him the same high-esteem that Baer is getting and deserves.

Thankfully there are some other sane fans who aren’t apologists and have higher expectations of a highly rated recruit who is a JUNIOR and the most athletically gifted on the team.

 

[Pepperman]

Cook became the whipping boy for a lot of fans. We are going to miss him next year.

We may miss him if he leaves, but a few things:

1) He MADE himself a focal point by ridiculously thinking he should audition for the NBA.
2) Then he started trying to do things he can't do (shoot from outside, dribble the ball up the court)
3) He then decided to not give full effort for the things he actually CAN do (rebound, dive for loose balls, crisp passes)

But he sure can dunk and make mean faces at the camera!

 

[Ronman]

Why in the world would you not want your leading scorer, and rebounder to return for what might be his best season, his senior year? Tyler, I would think knows better than any of us where he feels he fits into the current basketball hierarchy and will base his decision on what feels right for him. Personally, I hope he returns for what might be a very successful season, both for himself and the team.

 

[Steve Waite]

I’ve been hard on Cook but quite frankly in my opinion he has deserved it. And you don’t owe him an apology nor does anyone else on here.

Like pretty much everyone else, I was thrilled and proud and emotional of what they did in the 2nd Half against TN. And that was great that Cook could finally contribute positively and decided to go all out along with his teammates to make that amazing comeback. But for all the people RIGHTFULLY praising Nicholas Baer for his great career and his leaving everything on the floor every minute and giving 100% effort at all times, fans shouldn’t be scolded for questioning why Cook hasn’t done the same thing that Baer has this year and Cook shouldn’t be praised or put on a pedestal because he decided to go all out in the second half of the last game of the year.

Cook is more talented then Baer. Baer literally maximized all of his resources and effort to build himself into a good player who could be a legitimate Big Ten player. No one can question this. To me, that is what is maddening with Cook. I know he is talented and athletic and smart yet too often this year I have seen him not get on the floor for 50/50 loose balls while the person on other team next to him does. I’ve seem him not hustle for balls going out of bounds. I have seen him loaf back on Defense. I’ve seen him stand there while players on the other team went over him (a guy who we know is a ferocious dunker and athlete) and around him to gobble up rebounds he should get with ease because he has position. I’m not even talking about the “skill” issues like the sloppy passing and ball handling, the FT shooting that is never clutch, and the perplexing inability to finish lay-ups and dunks in recent weeks.

It’s the effort. That should never be questioned in these players because as Baer has shown, it is something that any player can give. And if anyone says they haven’t seen a lack of effort at times with Cook, then they aren’t being honest. So excuse me if I’m not going to hold him the same high-esteem that Baer is getting and deserves.

Good Post!
What’s scary is the OP is apologizing because Cook gets a scholarship to Iowa, which only 13 kids get out of thousands and he finally gives effort in a second half of a game and felt guilty because he didn’t think he had it in him or he did it anyway even though he could get hurt because he’s going to be getting a agent and going pro. WTF kind of logic is this? First of all, Baer is the only player on this team that deserves any praise. He’s the only player on the team that gives 100% effort and has done it for his entire career. This is what is expected from me as a Iowa fan and I’m certainly not going to apologize for it!

 

[Kurt Warner]

Fran should have never let cook "work" on his nba game at the detriment to the team.

 

[HungryHawk]

Good Post!
What’s scary is the OP is apologizing because Cook gets a scholarship to Iowa, which only 13 kids get out of thousands and he finally gives effort in a second half of a game and felt guilty because he didn’t think he had it in him or he did it anyway even though he could get hurt because he’s going to be getting a agent and going pro. WTF kind of logic is this? First of all, Baer is the only player on this team that deserves any praise. He’s the only player on the team that gives 100% effort and has done it for his entire career. This is what is expected from me as a Iowa fan and I’m certainly not going to apologize for it!

Add Garza here too. Yes, he had a slump a little later in the season, but he was getting in foul trouble and wasn't shooting as well, it was NOT due to lack of effort.

 

[owenhawk]

Add Garza here too. Yes, he had a slump a little later in the season, but he was getting in foul trouble and wasn't shooting as well, it was NOT due to lack of effort.

Agreed, anytime Garza didn’t play well has nothing to do writh effort.

 

[HungryHawk]

Agreed, anytime Garza didn’t play well has nothing to do writh effort.

I think his hustle is missed at times because his hustle plays aren't as flashy as Baer's. He doesn't make the diving out of bounds saves or the flying out of nowhere put-back dunks that Baer would use to energize the game, but that kid leaves it all out there. We will need him as a leader next year.

 

[owenhawk]

I think his hustle is missed at times because his hustle plays aren't as flashy as Baer's. He doesn't make the diving out of bounds saves or the flying out of nowhere put-back dunks that Baer would use to energize the game, but that kid leaves it all out there. We will need him as a leader next year.

Totally agree

 

[IllQChawk]

Good Post!
What’s scary is the OP is apologizing because Cook gets a scholarship to Iowa, which only 13 kids get out of thousands and he finally gives effort in a second half of a game and felt guilty because he didn’t think he had it in him or he did it anyway even though he could get hurt because he’s going to be getting a agent and going pro. WTF kind of logic is this? First of all, Baer is the only player on this team that deserves any praise. He’s the only player on the team that gives 100% effort and has done it for his entire career. This is what is expected from me as a Iowa fan and I’m certainly not going to apologize for it!

Baer was not the only player that gave full effort, Garza, Wieskamp, Kriener, & Bohannan, gave their all. There were others too, but Cook and Moss because of their athletic abilities sometime appeared to be lazy.
The real lazy people at Iowa was the coaching staff...they've known for over a year now that Cooks departure is coming to an end, and have they acquired a replacement player either from the high school ranks or from a transfer to equal or exceed his athleticism?
If Cook or Moss leaves, Iowa will be the whitest power 5 school in the nation, and it won't even be close.
If I didn't care so much, I wouldn't say a thing, but I do care, and seeing Iowa always athletically challenged upsets the hell out of me.
Love Fran, have issues with his assistants, his players are what they are, they were recruited to Iowa and came. As long as they work hard and excel in the class room there's nothing a fan can do but cheer for those players, if things don't improve next year thou, this program may go down quickly.
There was a nice article is the Quad City Times about the Texas Tech coach and his passion for the game and his desire to succeed. Wish Fran had that fire and wasn't just satisfied to finish each year with 10 or more loses...

 

[owenhawk]

Baer was not the only player that gave full effort, Garza, Wieskamp, Kriener, & Bohannan, gave their all. There were others too, but Cook and Moss because of their athletic abilities sometime appeared to be lazy.
The real lazy people at Iowa was the coaching staff...they've known for over a year now that Cooks departure is coming to an end, and have they acquired a replacement player either from the high school ranks or from a transfer to equal or exceed his athleticism?
If Cook or Moss leaves, Iowa will be the whitest power 5 school in the nation, and it won't even be close.
If I didn't care so much, I wouldn't say a thing, but I do care, and seeing Iowa always athletically challenged upsets the hell out of me.
Love Fran, have issues with his assistants, his players are what they are, they were recruited to Iowa and came. As long as they work hard and excel in the class room there's nothing a fan can do but cheer for those players, if things don't improve next year thou, this program may go down quickly.
There was a nice article is the Quad City Times about the Texas Tech coach and his passion for the game and his desire to succeed. Wish Fran had that fire and wasn't just satisfied to finish each year with 10 or more loses...

Good post. I don’t agree with everything you said by a lot of it. I don’t mean to single out Baer as only one giving full effort all the time because you are right, those guys you mentioned do to. Baer was an example of an outgoing Hawkeye who probably has half the talent as Cook but maximized his abilities and no one has ever questioned his desire and effort on the floor.

The being “too white” thing doesn’t bother me if you have the right players. Iowa dies need more athletes but I don’t care what color they are. Yes, I understand perception and recruiting concerns with not having enough diversity but winning big cures a lot of that.

I don’t necessarily agree on Cook and Moss appearing to not give full effort becsuse of their athleticism. I’ve seen plenty of better athletes then those two on other teams give maximum effort all the time and it’s easy to tell. Not going after loose balls, not hustling back on defense, and getting rebounded over even though you have athleticism and position is easy to see.

 

[Hawk_4shur]

Effort is often confused with effectiveness.

For example, you can work your ever-lovin' a$$ off to get a rebound, and not get it.

 

[hawkjt]

Tyler going thru the NBA process was a positive move. Garza will provably do it this year. It will give objective analysis of these players along with tips on improving their game. There is zero downside for either the player or Iowa.

Total bulkhead for fans to question effort. Baer said Cook is the hardest worker on the team...first in..last to leave the practice facility. We have some ignorant fans.

 

[HoustonREDHawk]

Cook was better this year than last, but what is even more puzzling to me now is why he doesn't play with a lot more energy much more often. The second half of the UT game showed what he could do, but why don't we see something a lot more like that most of the time? I hope he comes back next year and corrects that problem. Even if he doesn't significantly improve his outside shooting, I believe that alone could get him a lot more interest from the NBA.

 

[The Deplorable Sleeping Dog]

Everyone seems to be playing at less than 100% compared to the Baer. The kid played with maximum effort, and given his foot speed, instincts and solid fundamentals, that really made everyone else look like they weren't giving maximum effort.

TC is the classic example of a kid that never had to learn fundamentals. It looks like he's playing with less effort because he's not in the right place or doing the right thing so often, especially on defense and the defensive boards.

Isaiah is the classic example of a kid with a head problem. The analogy, without comparing the player per se, is what the great Walt Frazier said about the great Pete Maravich. Make him miss the first couple of shots and his entire game fell apart. Let him hit the first two or three shots and all you can do is wait for the storm to pass. Isaiah is the same way, without the 44 ppg upside Pete had in college. If he hits the first couple of shots he plays harder and smarter. When he misses his whole game falls apart.

Walt Frazier said if the Pistol would miss two or three in a row he'd start talking to himself. Walt also said that the Pistol would have had twice as many assists had his teammates played with their heads up and been looking for the passes the Pistol made. Or, in the old HORSE half time shows, making four in a row from different spots lying on his back? Little bit o' auld lang syne for the other geezers.