Cook's return: how disruptive could it be short-term?

[Pepperman]

I love Tyler Cook - love his game, love his attitude, love his size/strength, and I don't think I've been as excited about a freshman in a long time (maybe have to go back to Ricky Davis?)

However, I'm worried in the near-term that his return will be a bit disruptive. We have had plenty of comments already about how he and Pemsl will co-exist on the floor, which is important to discuss, but really what worries me more is the times when NEITHER is on the court (Uhl and Wagner out there instead).

My HOPE is Cook's defense (and to an extent rebounding) early on were a little lacking because of a fear of foul trouble, but now that we know there are others on the team capable of stepping up, his intensity can increase. My FEAR is that he might come back and our defense falls off again.

At any rate, I'm not expecting the NCAA tourney this year, and nor does that bother me. I'm hoping to see all of these young guys develop more and gain confidence. Even if Cook's return to the line-up is short-term disruptive, I'm trying to keep my eyes on the prize next year and beyond.

 

[HawksRMe]

Hopefully disruptive for the other team!

 

[CanadaHawk]

I love Tyler Cook - love his game, love his attitude, love his size/strength, and I don't think I've been as excited about a freshman in a long time (maybe have to go back to Ricky Davis?)

However, I'm worried in the near-term that his return will be a bit disruptive. We have had plenty of comments already about how he and Pemsl will co-exist on the floor, which is important to discuss, but really what worries me more is the times when NEITHER is on the court (Uhl and Wagner out there instead).

My HOPE is Cook's defense (and to an extent rebounding) early on were a little lacking because of a fear of foul trouble, but now that we know there are others on the team capable of stepping up, his intensity can increase. My FEAR is that he might come back and our defense falls off again.

At any rate, I'm not expecting the NCAA tourney this year, and nor does that bother me. I'm hoping to see all of these young guys develop more and gain confidence. Even if Cook's return to the line-up is short-term disruptive, I'm trying to keep my eyes on the prize next year and beyond.

Why think negatively? I think Cook has been working on his game while out. What if he fits right in while guys like Pemsl and Moss have had space to develop in his absence?

 

[wyohawk]

Unless he is a negative personality on the court (by all accounts, not so), I don't see how adding him back wouldn't make us better in every aspect.

 

[DodgerHawki]

I love Tyler Cook - love his game, love his attitude, love his size/strength, and I don't think I've been as excited about a freshman in a long time (maybe have to go back to Ricky Davis?)

However, I'm worried in the near-term that his return will be a bit disruptive. We have had plenty of comments already about how he and Pemsl will co-exist on the floor, which is important to discuss, but really what worries me more is the times when NEITHER is on the court (Uhl and Wagner out there instead).

My HOPE is Cook's defense (and to an extent rebounding) early on were a little lacking because of a fear of foul trouble, but now that we know there are others on the team capable of stepping up, his intensity can increase. My FEAR is that he might come back and our defense falls off again.

At any rate, I'm not expecting the NCAA tourney this year, and nor does that bother me. I'm hoping to see all of these young guys develop more and gain confidence. Even if Cook's return to the line-up is short-term disruptive, I'm trying to keep my eyes on the prize next year and beyond.

Don't fret over the short-term results. Cook is one of the most-talented Hawkeyes. He seems to have a good attitude and words hard as well. It's the coach's job to figure out how to get your talent to work together effectively. I agree that Pemsl and Cook will have some growing pains playing together, but for the long-term benefit of the team they need time on the floor and to ride through the ups and downs.

 

[33hawkfan]

Don't fret over the short-term results. Cook is one of the most-talented Hawkeyes. He seems to have a good attitude and words hard as well. It's the coach's job to figure out how to get your talent to work together effectively. I agree that Pemsl and Cook will have some growing pains playing together, but for the long-term benefit of the team they need time on the floor and to ride through the ups and downs.

Exactly, the long term development of the freshman is the goal of this team. If they happen to get an NIT, or with a miracle an NCAA berth, that's cool. But they need to prioritize giving the freshman playing time.

 

[Vbeachawk]

This has been my concern given that the current starting 5 has been playing so well defensively. Cook will likely replace Wags who has been playing really well on the defensive end of the court. I don't think Cook can play individual defense as well as Wags and it will take time to fit in on help defense too. Jmo. Offensively Cook is better than Wags and will be another option that opponents will have to plan for. I am concerned about defense tho.

 

[HawkAssassin]

Even if the lineup doesn't work Fran has to give it a shot to know for sure.

Offensively, OK he can play a bit further out than Pemsl. However, I don't want to him to start settling for jump shots. Just because he can make these shots doesn't mean it should be his main weapon.

Tyler has the potential to defend at a high level. He did not show that commitment earlier. Hopefully, he can begin taking strides like the rest of the team. He's going to be asked to defend well right away guarding two different guys in Edwards and Swanigan. I believe he can do well against both. It's up to him.

If Tyler comes with the right attitude, everything will work itself out.

 

[2432Hawk]

I think this helps Iowa and really helps Tyler because I think he defends better away from the paint, and rebounds better facing the basket where he can use his athleticism to go get the ball. Pemsl is much better at establishing position and understanding angles.

Our starting 5 is going to cause nightmares for teams defensively.

F-Pemsl
F-Cook
G-Jok
G-Moss
G-Bohannon

Pete may thrive the most from all of this, who do you leave to double anyone?

 

[DanHawkPella]

If we replaced Wagner with Cook I think it just makes the other team's job a lot harder. Wagner is aggressive on offense but lacks any skilled finishing moves or consistent jumpshot to set them up. He's been good but not great defensively. Cook is bigger and a lot more skilled.

He needs to play defense and rebound a lot better, and it will be hard to get everyone shots on offense so you worry that players shoot quicker knowing they won't see the ball again in the half court. That is a legitimate concern, and if so one could bring Pemsl (along with Baer now) off the bench instead of Wagner to stagger the scoring depth a bit. Wagner will still play, but he and Uhl will lose about 20mpg probably, among others, as Cook will demand 25mpg fairly quickly imo (unless his defense sucks).

 

[Pepperman]

He needs to play defense and rebound a lot better, and it will be hard to get everyone shots on offense so you worry that players shoot quicker knowing they won't see the ball again in the half court. That is a legitimate concern, and if so one could bring Pemsl (along with Baer now) off the bench instead of Wagner to stagger the scoring depth a bit. Wagner will still play, but he and Uhl will lose about 20mpg probably, among others, as Cook will demand 25mpg fairly quickly imo (unless his defense sucks).

That's kind of what I'm wondering - why not split Pemsl and Cook up as much as possible so that one of them is always on the court? There will of course be 10-15 minutes where they are on the court together, but I'd prefer to stagger them as much as we can. Mostly because I cannot stand watching the lineup with Uhl, Wagner, Ellingson, and Williams together since none of them have much of a threat offensively.

 

[DanL53]

Let's save our concerns when presumably we could be looking at Jones, Uhl, Wagner, Pemsl, Kriener, Cook, Garza and Nunge next year.

Oh, and Baer.

This FEELS like Custer's last words, "Oh, that's way too many indians to attack us all at once! It'll never work!"

 

[CanadaHawk]

If we replaced Wagner with Cook I think it just makes the other team's job a lot harder. Wagner is aggressive on offense but lacks any skilled finishing moves or consistent jumpshot to set them up. He's been good but not great defensively. Cook is bigger and a lot more skilled.

He needs to play defense and rebound a lot better, and it will be hard to get everyone shots on offense so you worry that players shoot quicker knowing they won't see the ball again in the half court. That is a legitimate concern, and if so one could bring Pemsl (along with Baer now) off the bench instead of Wagner to stagger the scoring depth a bit. Wagner will still play, but he and Uhl will lose about 20mpg probably, among others, as Cook will demand 25mpg fairly quickly imo (unless his defense sucks).

I agree that Cook will probably take away from Wagner and Uhl's minutes. I also agree that either Cook or Pemsl should be on the court at all times to give us a constant post presence- so there will be some tag team at times with those two. However, especially as they play together, this will be a deadly inside combination. Pemsl is showing a great ability to fill in the gaps- take what the defense gives him. Cook is that difficult to stop post player. Together, they could give PJ, Moss, and JB constant open shots.

 

[Pepperman]

Let's save our concerns when presumably we could be looking at Jones, Uhl, Wagner, Pemsl, Kriener, Cook, Garza and Nunge next year.

Oh, and Baer.

This FEELS like Custer's last words, "Oh, that's way too many indians to attack us all at once! It'll never work!"

Yeah, that is too many. only 5 can play at a time!

Or if you think back to Hoosiers, the coach can put fewer than 5 out there and claim "MY TEAM IS ON THE COURT!"

 

[HerkysDad]

I just want to see this group of young players improve and enjoy the year without all the pressure of gaining an NCAA berth. We need to identify who will be next year's leader and develop that skill.

The Cubs won the World Series this year, so I have offically diverted my "wait till next year" motto to the Hawkeye Basketball teams (men's and women's).

I plan to enjoy watching them grow with each and every game they play.

 

[EZ2BJZ]

I think you have to put Tyler Cook out there. If it doesn't work, then certainly tinker with the lineup.

I just don't see Tyler Cook as the problem. The defensive failures of the team were a collective effort early in the season--and it started with Peter Jok.

Tyler Cook is a beast. And with him and Pemsl doing damage down low, think how much it's going to open things up for Jok and Bohannon. Then you have Moss taking it to the tin and getting buckets.

This team has amazing potential. But there will be growing pains, certainly. Let's just enjoy the ride. The future is bright.

 

[JerryDennard]

Let's save our concerns when presumably we could be looking at Jones, Uhl, Wagner, Pemsl, Kriener, Cook, Garza and Nunge next year.

Oh, and Baer.

This FEELS like Custer's last words, "Oh, that's way too many indians to attack us all at once! It'll never work!"

Fran would be like

 

[Herkmeister]

I just home Mr. Cook is ready for a boat load of this...................

 

[hawkfan1963]

I don't think adding a great player back into the mix will be a problem. This break without Cook has accomplished one thing. It's given a few more players the opportunity to play and show what they have and given them confidence. I remember Dr. Tom's first team(I believe it was his first) was very deep and had a great run.

 

[Herkmeister]

I too think this may have been a blessing in disguise.

For everyone including Mr. Cook.

 

[lonewolf52]

If we replaced Wagner with Cook I think it just makes the other team's job a lot harder. Wagner is aggressive on offense but lacks any skilled finishing moves or consistent jumpshot to set them up. He's been good but not great defensively. Cook is bigger and a lot more skilled.

He needs to play defense and rebound a lot better, and it will be hard to get everyone shots on offense so you worry that players shoot quicker knowing they won't see the ball again in the half court. That is a legitimate concern, and if so one could bring Pemsl (along with Baer now) off the bench instead of Wagner to stagger the scoring depth a bit. Wagner will still play, but he and Uhl will lose about 20mpg probably, among others, as Cook will demand 25mpg fairly quickly imo (unless his defense sucks).

I agree. As well as Iowa has played lately, we are not as offensively threatening since Cooks injury. Defense is a team effort so Cook coming back shouldn't tear all the progress down. What is vital is for players to go all out when they are in so that our depth becomes an advantage.

 

[ScoutRefugee]

This has been my concern given that the current starting 5 has been playing so well defensively. Cook will likely replace Wags who has been playing really well on the defensive end of the court. I don't think Cook can play individual defense as well as Wags and it will take time to fit in on help defense too. Jmo. Offensively Cook is better than Wags and will be another option that opponents will have to plan for. I am concerned about defense tho.

Cook's problem is in his rotations. His defensive rotations are lacking.

 

[EastIowaHawk]

Pemsl and Cook are roomates. They play friendly mind games with each other all the time. I think it makes both of them better if they are in at the same time. Fouls will determine a lot. I see them together maybe 25- 35% of the time; they also will sub for each other and have a chance for a bench break as they are both around 250 in weight. Cook will make power moves and dunks (when he's more healthy) and Cordell will continue to shoot only when he thinks he can score, and otherwise pass to someone else. Yes, Jok and others will benefit from those passes.

 

[unoHawkeye]

Our margin for error is small if we want to make the tournament as it is. Since Cook is going to be a starter for (hopefully) the next 3.5 years, I'd just like to see the guys develop some chemistry and be clicking at the end of the year. If that means suffering a couple losses and not making the tourney this year, so be it. The likelihood of these freshmen making a run in the tournament is slim to none anyways.

 

[pocha444444]

That's kind of what I'm wondering - why not split Pemsl and Cook up as much as possible so that one of them is always on the court? There will of course be 10-15 minutes where they are on the court together, but I'd prefer to stagger them as much as we can. Mostly because I cannot stand watching the lineup with Uhl, Wagner, Ellingson, and Williams together since none of them have much of a threat offensively.

Agreed. It would be the smart thing to stagger their minutes. Both can play still play at least 25 min but I say bring Cook off the bench.

 

[CanadaHawk]

Agreed. It would be the smart thing to stagger their minutes. Both can play still play at least 25 min but I say bring Cook off the bench.

Agreed. It would be the smart thing to stagger their minutes. Both can play still play at least 25 min but I say bring Cook off the bench.

Fran believes they can play together. It looks like he'd like to start them together and yes, stagger minutes to get Baer and Wagner in there as well.
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