I think Peter Jok is at his best when he brings that intensity on defense. He was awesome on the passing lanes particularly in one stretch. Each year he has improved his personal and team defense and it is so fun to watch.
Peter Jok's defense
- Thread starter hawk_it
- Start date
Agree that his defense has improved immensely. To take it to the next level as senior, his only noticeable weakness right now is driving and getting to the basket and finishing inside ten feet. He benefits a lot from having basically two senior point guards and obviously an elite stretch 4. That leaves him with lots of open jumpers and obviously he can nail them all the time. Right now, teams would be foolish to be keying on Peter (pick your poison). Those probably wont be available as much next year as defenses will be more free to key on sticking to him with their best defenders. It would also add a ton of value for him on the efficiency front because he's such an outstanding FT shooter as well.
Peter is the perfect example of player development under Coach McCaffery. He truly has added something to his game every season and has improved every year. Congrats to him for putting in the work and effort.
Defense is effort and there's no excuse for lack of effort. Granted, he's playing much better defense this year than he did last year which is a great thing. He shouldn't get a free pass though because he's uses a lot of energy on offense. Jimmy Butler is the do everything offensive player for the Bulls, and he's one of the best defensive players in the NBA. Uthoff is one of the best defensive players in the B1G.
Yes defense is effort but remember Jok has asthma so his lack of defense hasn't always been his fault. But his improved diet and conditioning is well documented and that has largely contributed to his defensive improvement.
I wasn't making an excuse for him...yes, great players play on both ends of the court with high intensity...it is just that he is a shooter...and spends lots of his energy thinking about the next shot, at times...can drift off on the defensive end. What a nice jump shot he has...
If he is thinking about his next shot so much that it affects his defense that is a big issue. We have plays we run for him and a coach that calls plays to get him looks. He got a couple good steals the other night and he wasn't exposed in this game, but he has a long was to go on the defensive side of the court. Kid can shoot the rock though!
He has a great shot and a great shooter's mentality...not afraid to shoot it, even after several misses...not everyone can do that.
Picking it up on defense helps Fran's defensive system...everyone needs to be on board to make it work.
Plus, becoming competent on the defensive side will help his NBA prospects.
Should be fun to see next year...
Picking it up on defense helps Fran's defensive system...everyone needs to be on board to make it work.
Plus, becoming competent on the defensive side will help his NBA prospects.
Should be fun to see next year...
This as much as anything. And it's amazing his asthma has basically disappeared from changing his diet.
Kid has a lot of bounce which combined with that length makes for a pretty nice player.
Jok is not super quick/athletic though okay, his length and quick hands are helping him. Seems to go for a lot of steals and get them...sort of Whitey type playing passing lanes but also able to guard dribblers and get his hands in there.
Obviously has quick release and great looking shot. Key as mentioned is to get some better moves around basket.
No doubt about it he has a sweet stroke. I'd love to see him improve his handles a little bit so he could drive to the bucket more often. The guy is such a good FT shooter I'd love to see him get to the free throw line more often, especially when his outside shot is off.
I think Jok is a lot more athletic in terms of hops than he gets credit for. I went to the Nebraska-Iowa game at Carver a couple weeks ago and Jok was throwing down some pretty monster alley-oops in the pregame.
He's always been a shoot first, drive second sort of player, but the injury may have made him even more cautious
He's always been a shoot first, drive second sort of player, but the injury may have made him even more cautious
Sophomore to Junior, and Junior to Senior development has been a plus with Fran. Love to see players improve, and have a defined star.
agree...he also wasn't exactly schooled (coached) in other areas on both ends in high school...some of that was him...but not all of it. Fran has done a great job with him ... one more example.
in watching Cook last night...loads of talent for his size...great attitude. Fran & staff are going to have a lot of fun working with him.
as Fran has mentioned Wagner had a terrific high school coach which put him ahead of some others coming in...and of course Baer's HS coach did wonders with him
.so yes ... its scary just how much better Jok can get (and he isn't too shabby now)...I know its not pretty...and its a lot more comfortable watching him drain 3's...can you imagine if he can develop a better drive game?...he did finish the 1st half against MSU going 4-4 at the free throw line..he just needs to pick his spots when to drive & when not to.
I cannot, as a player, ever remember thinking about my next shot when I was playing defense. How's that work? Do you picture yourself in an offensive set?
