Tyler Cook

[Eternal Return]

Addition by subtraction? Garza has really thrived offensively without Cook clogging up the middle down low and has a much better alter-opponents-shots presence down low on defense. I guess I'd take Cook coming off the bench when Garza needs a breather or gets in foul trouble, but they weren't that good on the floor together. Garza also doesn't turn the ball over like Cook did. I miss Cook's dunks, but Garza is clearly the better player. Who knew? Count me as massively (and very pleasantly) surprised this year. I can't even imagine what this team would be like without Garza (and I don't want to).

Sorry, not bashing Cook as Iowa would have probably not made the tourney last year without him because Garza might not have been ready to make this kind of leap last year, but his departure may have happened at the perfect time because it has really allowed Garza to come into his own in a way Cook's presence would not have allowed IMO.

 

[BlackNGoldBleeder]

Addition by subtraction? Garza has really thrived offensively without Cook clogging up the middle down low and has a much better alter-opponents-shots presence down low on defense. I guess I'd take Cook coming off the bench when Garza needs a breather or gets in foul trouble, but they weren't that good on the floor together. Garza also doesn't turn the ball over like Cook did. I miss Cook's dunks, but Garza is clearly the better player. Who knew? Count me as massively (and very pleasantly) surprised this year. I can't even imagine what this team would be like without Garza (and I don't want to).

Sorry, not bashing Cook as Iowa would have probably not made the tourney last year without him because Garza might not have been ready to make this kind of leap last year, but his departure may have happened at the perfect time because it has really allowed Garza to come into his own in a way Cook's presence would not have allowed IMO.

Not trying to be rude, but this topic has been discussed over and over again.

Tyler Cook was a great Hawk. To suggest Luka's success this season is connected to Cook's departure, as if Cook was cancerous, is silly.

Luka's success this season probably has a lot to do with the work he put in over the off-season and now being an upperclassman. Also, as a sophomore, he averaged about 23 minutes a game. So, you could chalk some of it up to having a larger rotation last season. I would add that CJ Frederick's emergence as another weapon in the backcourt has opened things up more for Luka.

We'll see how the rest of the season goes. He's going to draw a lot of attention in the B1G Ten. Other guys will have to step up. Regardless, no, I reject the idea that it was Tyler Cook holding him back.

 

[unoHawkeye]

I don’t really buy it. I think Cook makes us a sure fire top 10-15 team nationally. Cook faced a lot of double teams last year. Garza has faced double, and even triple at times, teams this year. Can’t double the both of them. Garza wouldn’t have the numbers he does, but then again, he wouldn’t need to. They would take turns feasting offensively and would be a formidable rebounding duo, as Cook improved his rebounding positioning quite a bit as his career progressed.

With Wieskamp, Fredrick, and Connor also, this team would be an offensive juggernaut

 

[Eternal Return]

Not trying to be rude, but this topic has been discussed over and over again.

Tyler Cook was a great Hawk. To suggest Luka's success this season is connected to Cook's departure, as if Cook was cancerous, is silly.

Luka's success this season probably has a lot to do with the work he put in over the off-season and now being an upperclassman. Also, as a sophomore, he averaged about 23 minutes a game. So, you could chalk some of it up to having a larger rotation last season. I would add that CJ Frederick's emergence as another weapon in the backcourt has opened things up more for Luka.

We'll see how the rest of the season goes. He's going to draw a lot of attention in the B1G Ten. Other guys will have to step up. Regardless, no, I reject the idea that it was Tyler Cook holding him back.

My bad as far as this topic being addressed on here in this past. I don't look at this board too often.

 

[Eternal Return]

I don’t really buy it. I think Cook makes us a sure fire top 10-15 team nationally. Cook faced a lot of double teams last year. Garza has faced double, and even triple at times, teams this year. Can’t double the both of them. Garza wouldn’t have the numbers he does, but then again, he wouldn’t need to. They would take turns feasting offensively and would be a formidable rebounding duo, as Cook improved his rebounding positioning quite a bit as his career progressed.

With Wieskamp, Fredrick, and Connor also, this team would be an offensive juggernaut

Connor's improvement has definitely helped. Weiskamp doesn't seem any better or worse than last year so that's a wash. Frederick is a plus, but not that much over Moss (he will be as the years go on).

I remember Cook turning over the ball a lot down low whereas Garza doesn't do that. So Garza getting the touches on the low post seems much, much more consistent than when Cook got the ball down low. Cook seemed like he had trouble not being "the guy," and with Garza playing like he is this year, I would want him getting most of the touches down low with Cook getting offensive rebound opportunities. I also don't remember Cook being very good defensively in the post. Garza wasn't either last year, but he sure has improved his game in that regard.

I guess overall it would be hard to tell if Cook would be a difference maker this year. He'd have to play a different role so that Garza's emerging strengths could be the focus. I'm not sure Cook could adapt his game and mindset to do that, though. Maybe he could have, but he was so focused on getting to the NBA and trying to do things that NBA teams wanted to see from him that he didn't always play to his strengths. If Cook could have been disciplined this year and played to his strengths within the offense (and he improved on defense, learned how to play it) then he would have definitely been an asset. I just don't know that he could have made the adjustment and I wonder if he would have disrupted the flow and team chemistry.

I'm surprised as hell that Iowa is as good as they are this year, especially after they played about as badly as the could against DePaul. Vert happy with the team so I'll let the Cook stuff go after this comment.

 

[BBHawk]

Luka is also better because he is healthy. He was post major surgery/injured most of last year. He is playing in the healthiest shape he has ever played.

 

[Legend12]

1) Frederick is a plus, but not that much over Moss (he will be as the years go on).
2) I guess overall it would be hard to tell if Cook would be a difference maker this year.

These 2 sentences make me wonder if you have ever watched even a single game of basketball.

 

[TCOOL]

So is the OP really saying that a guy averaging 12 and 5 in the G League, while only playing 20 minutes per game, while also shooting over 60% from the field may not have been able to make a difference playing for Iowa this season?

 

[TheTruthTheWholeTruth]

Iowa has a pretty big hole at the 4. TC would have made a pretty big difference this year.

 

[unoHawkeye]

Connor's improvement has definitely helped. Weiskamp doesn't seem any better or worse than last year so that's a wash. Frederick is a plus, but not that much over Moss (he will be as the years go on).

I remember Cook turning over the ball a lot down low whereas Garza doesn't do that. So Garza getting the touches on the low post seems much, much more consistent than when Cook got the ball down low. Cook seemed like he had trouble not being "the guy," and with Garza playing like he is this year, I would want him getting most of the touches down low with Cook getting offensive rebound opportunities. I also don't remember Cook being very good defensively in the post. Garza wasn't either last year, but he sure has improved his game in that regard.

I guess overall it would be hard to tell if Cook would be a difference maker this year. He'd have to play a different role so that Garza's emerging strengths could be the focus. I'm not sure Cook could adapt his game and mindset to do that, though. Maybe he could have, but he was so focused on getting to the NBA and trying to do things that NBA teams wanted to see from him that he didn't always play to his strengths. If Cook could have been disciplined this year and played to his strengths within the offense (and he improved on defense, learned how to play it) then he would have definitely been an asset. I just don't know that he could have made the adjustment and I wonder if he would have disrupted the flow and team chemistry.

I'm surprised as hell that Iowa is as good as they are this year, especially after they played about as badly as the could against DePaul. Vert happy with the team so I'll let the Cook stuff go after this comment.

Fredrick is substantially better (consistently) than Moss was at just about every facet of the game, and I was (am) a Moss fan. Hopefully it continues.

And Cook’s ball dominance was a direct result of him being the best player on the team his sophomore and junior years, and Fran instructing him to take on such a role. He’s fully capable of playing team ball and being successful in such a role. He’s doing it right now at a higher level of competition than he was at Iowa

 

[SSG T]

Connor's improvement has definitely helped. Weiskamp doesn't seem any better or worse than last year so that's a wash. Frederick is a plus, but not that much over Moss (he will be as the years go on).

I remember Cook turning over the ball a lot down low whereas Garza doesn't do that. So Garza getting the touches on the low post seems much, much more consistent than when Cook got the ball down low. Cook seemed like he had trouble not being "the guy," and with Garza playing like he is this year, I would want him getting most of the touches down low with Cook getting offensive rebound opportunities. I also don't remember Cook being very good defensively in the post. Garza wasn't either last year, but he sure has improved his game in that regard.

I guess overall it would be hard to tell if Cook would be a difference maker this year. He'd have to play a different role so that Garza's emerging strengths could be the focus. I'm not sure Cook could adapt his game and mindset to do that, though. Maybe he could have, but he was so focused on getting to the NBA and trying to do things that NBA teams wanted to see from him that he didn't always play to his strengths. If Cook could have been disciplined this year and played to his strengths within the offense (and he improved on defense, learned how to play it) then he would have definitely been an asset. I just don't know that he could have made the adjustment and I wonder if he would have disrupted the flow and team chemistry.

I'm surprised as hell that Iowa is as good as they are this year, especially after they played about as badly as the could against DePaul. Vert happy with the team so I'll let the Cook stuff go after this comment.

Offensively, CJF has been a significant improvement over Moss last year. Moss was pretty average last year.

That's not even considering defense, which CJ also has a decided advantage in.

 

[iabcuda]

I don’t mind another Cook-Garza thread. I think Cook would better this year playing with Garza 2.0. They would be an offensive nightmare for many.

 

[LuteHawk]

Cook wanted to go pro. Garza spent the Summer
improving his game. The Hawkeyes have gotten a
big man who is playing lights out with a 22 pts per
game average and 10 rebounds per game.

Cook could have helped this year at Iowa. However,
that was not to be. Enjoy the resurgence of Garza
as our go-to guy.

 

[Bro D]

Would looooove to have TC on this team

 

[BIG Bick]

My bad as far as this topic being addressed on here in this past. I don't look at this board too often.

NOT YOUR BAD !!. No need to apologize for posting about a topic that has been discussed before. There are some guys here that think you should look at every post in the last 5 yrs, so you don't dare post the same topic.

 

[Hawksfor3]

Luka's success this season probably has a lot to do with the work he put in over the off-season

This.

 

[H4wkfan4life]

Luka is also better because he is healthy. He was post major surgery/injured most of last year. He is playing in the healthiest shape he has ever played.

and because he busts his ass to keep improving

 

[BioHawk]

Nah, I think Garza's success has everything to do with Garza being a year older and putting in considerable time in the gym during the offseason. If anything, if Cook were around this year he'd be having an even better year as teams would not be able to focus on him in the middle all game.

 

[PlazaHawkeye]

Cook and Garza this year would be bananas!

 

[Aleksei]

Tyler would have elevated us to a different level. And Moss is starting for Kansas, even though he’s not scoring much due to injuries he sustained prior to the start of the season. The two of them would have made this team very deep. Although, I do believe the shorter rotation has helped Fran manage games more effectively. Utilizing four guards has made us faster. So far, this is a much better season than I expected. Let’s hope we don’t have a 7 or 8 game skid as we have had many times under Fran.

 

[wbrhawkeye]

Eternal Return said:

↑



1) Frederick is a plus, but not that much over Moss (he will be as the years go on).
2) I guess overall it would be hard to tell if Cook would be a difference maker this year.Click to expand...

These 2 sentences make me wonder if you have ever watched even a single game of basketball.
[/quote]
Agreed. That is top 5 dumbest comment and observation I’ve seen on this board.

 

[goodbyebobby]

I think not having a nine pound cyst removed before this season helped as well? Probably didn't hurt.

 

[The Deplorable Sleeping Dog]

The only sense in which TC inhibited Luka was an incompatible need for the low post space. Garzilla is obviously playing much better this year and the credit is mostly his.

 

[RocknRollface]

Not trying to be rude, but this topic has been discussed over and over again.

Tyler Cook was a great Hawk. To suggest Luka's success this season is connected to Cook's departure, as if Cook was cancerous, is silly.

Luka's success this season probably has a lot to do with the work he put in over the off-season and now being an upperclassman. Also, as a sophomore, he averaged about 23 minutes a game. So, you could chalk some of it up to having a larger rotation last season. I would add that CJ Frederick's emergence as another weapon in the backcourt has opened things up more for Luka.

We'll see how the rest of the season goes. He's going to draw a lot of attention in the B1G Ten. Other guys will have to step up. Regardless, no, I reject the idea that it was Tyler Cook holding him back.

I tried to explain this to people last year dozens of times. Cook and Garza were not complimentary to each other.

They're strengths and weaknesses were redundant instead of complimentary. They both operate on the block and both dont defend well away from the rim.

They're both 5s.

It didn't matter which one it was but both were better without the other.

Cook was a much better defender in man but had to play zone, where he struggled because of Garza.

Iowa, as well as most other teams, is better playing 4 perimeter players. That much I think everyone can see now.

If Cook was the 5 this year Iowa would still be doing very well, probably better on D slightly worse on O.

With Cook at the 4 with Garza at the 5 Iowa is a worse team on both ends this year IMO.

Its spacing, and defense.

 

[RocknRollface]

Iowa has a pretty big hole at the 4. TC would have made a pretty big difference this year.

Dissagree completely.

Iowa is winning in large part because of having an extra guard on the court vs a second big.

Connor is playing very well for the most part on both ends providing improved defense and spacing vs last year.

 

[RocknRollface]

Nah, I think Garza's success has everything to do with Garza being a year older and putting in considerable time in the gym during the offseason. If anything, if Cook were around this year he'd be having an even better year as teams would not be able to focus on him in the middle all game.

Actually, how it went if anyone could remember all the way back to last year was that it just gave opponents some one they didn't have to guard on the perimeter to double off of and clogg the lane.

When one posted up the other would have to be outside, usually unguarded.

Neither one is good at passing out of doubles. Doubles killed Cook and Garza has had plenty of problems with them too (see DePaul) although hes starting to get it now.

 

[unoHawkeye]

Actually, how it went if anyone could remember all the way back to last year was that it just gave opponents some one they didn't have to guard on the perimeter to double off of and clogg the lane.

When one posted up the other would have to be outside, usually unguarded.

Neither one is good at passing out of doubles. Doubles killed Cook and Garza has had plenty of problems with them too (see DePaul) although hes starting to get it now.

It didn’t help that Garza shot upper-20% from three for much of last year. Both Garza and Cook were most effective within 5 feet, however both were/are capable of getting the ball on the free throw line or further and getting points. I thought that Garza should have spent more time in the high post, and cook in the low post instead of Garza low and Cook high. Because you know Cook is driving it right into Luka’s territory. If Cook gets it in the low post, then either a defender has to crash down to help, giving Luka an open look, or Cook a 1-on-1 with his defender

 

[Buffalo43]

Imo Garza plays better in sets as well as fast break 2nd break offense

Cook clogged the offense down in sets with limited offensive post moves and no jump shot

 

[RocknRollface]

It didn’t help that Garza shot upper-20% from three for much of last year. Both Garza and Cook were most effective within 5 feet, however both were/are capable of getting the ball on the free throw line or further and getting points. I thought that Garza should have spent more time in the high post, and cook in the low post instead of Garza low and Cook high. Because you know Cook is driving it right into Luka’s territory. If Cook gets it in the low post, then either a defender has to crash down to help, giving Luka an open look, or Cook a 1-on-1 with his defender

Right but if you put Garza high your wasting what he does well. Same with Cook.

Playing two 5s together who both play best on the block and aren't good defenders just doesn't work that well.

It's not terrible but it's not optimal.

I argued frequently last year Cook should have been the starting 5 with Baer at the 4, play man and switch everything like an nba team.

Defense would have looked like a totally different team.

 

[longliveCS40]

Garza is a year older and wiser and worked his ass off during the off season. That's the reason for his improvement.

If we had Cook playing alongside Luka this year, we would be a top 15 team.

 

[RocknRollface]

Garza is a year older and wiser and worked his ass off during the off season. That's the reason for his improvement.

If we had Cook playing alongside Luka this year, we would be a top 15 team.

Has Garza really improved that much?

What specifically has improved? Because he has always been a phenominsl finisher around the basket.

Hes a little better defensively and probably in better shape.

The main difference from last year is increased touches and better spacing.

 

[hawkeyeguy69]

/Thread

Not trying to be rude, but this topic has been discussed over and over again.

Tyler Cook was a great Hawk. To suggest Luka's success this season is connected to Cook's departure, as if Cook was cancerous, is silly.

Luka's success this season probably has a lot to do with the work he put in over the off-season and now being an upperclassman. Also, as a sophomore, he averaged about 23 minutes a game. So, you could chalk some of it up to having a larger rotation last season. I would add that CJ Frederick's emergence as another weapon in the backcourt has opened things up more for Luka.

We'll see how the rest of the season goes. He's going to draw a lot of attention in the B1G Ten. Other guys will have to step up. Regardless, no, I reject the idea that it was Tyler Cook holding him back.

 

[longliveCS40]

Has Garza really improved that much?

What specifically has improved? Because he has always been a phenominsl finisher around the basket.

Hes a little better defensively and probably in better shape.

The main difference from last year is increased touches and better spacing.

His post moves are even more diversified. Better footwork. Noticeably quicker and more nimble and a better finisher than last year.

Adding an NBA level talent alongside Luka would do nothing but help him. It would take the pressure off of him. Did you watch the game against Cincinnati? At times, Garza was triple teamed. It led to many many turnovers.

Sure Cook tried to do too much at times but I think he would have been far less inclined to do that this year with Garza playing so well. Frankly, I think it would have elevated both Garza and Cook's game this year as opposing teams would have no answer for their 1-2 punch.

The blind hatred for Cook continues even after he's no longer at Iowa. It's just incredible to me. One of the most underappreciated players I can remember wearing an Iowa uniform.

 

[RocknRollface]

His post moves are even more diversified. Better footwork. Noticeably quicker and more nimble and a better finisher than last year.

Adding an NBA level talent alongside Luka would do nothing but help him. It would take the pressure off of him. Did you watch the game against Cincinnati? At times, Garza was triple teamed. It led to many many turnovers.

Sure Cook tried to do too much at times but I think he would have been far less inclined to do that this year with Garza playing so well. Frankly, I think it would have elevated both Garza and Cook's game this year as opposing teams would have no answer for their 1-2 punch.

The blind hatred for Cook continues even after he's no longer at Iowa. It's just incredible to me. One of the most underappreciated players I can remember wearing an Iowa uniform.

No hatred, just common sense, logic and and understanding of the game.

Garza has made some improvements for sure but they're a very minor factor in his increased scoring compared to getting two to three times the amount of touches and more space to operate. That's really pretty obvious.

The notion that putting another post player on the court is somehow going to alleviate double teaming is nonsense. That's the opposite of how it works.

Spreading the floor and moving the ball is what beats double teams.

Cook and Garza weren't a good compliment to each other last year and wouldn't be this year.

Two post players is generally not how basketball is being played anymore because it's less effective.

 

[Eternal Return]

I tried to explain this to people last year dozens of times. Cook and Garza were not complimentary to each other.

They're strengths and weaknesses were redundant instead of complimentary. They both operate on the block and both dont defend well away from the rim.

They're both 5s.

It didn't matter which one it was but both were better without the other.

Cook was a much better defender in man but had to play zone, where he struggled because of Garza.

Iowa, as well as most other teams, is better playing 4 perimeter players. That much I think everyone can see now.

If Cook was the 5 this year Iowa would still be doing very well, probably better on D slightly worse on O.

With Cook at the 4 with Garza at the 5 Iowa is a worse team on both ends this year IMO.

Its spacing, and defense.

You articulated what I was seeing last year far better than I did (or could). Thank you for that analysis.

 

[Eternal Return]

Did you watch the game against Cincinnati? At times, Garza was triple teamed. It led to many many turnovers.

Not arguing with the rest of your post, but I watched the Cincinnati game and almost all of the turnovers came on the perimeter by guards unable to handle Cincy's pressure--they made terrible passes before they could even try to get Garza the ball down low. For about a ten minute stretch in the second half they looked like they did against DePaul and it really had nothing to do with Garza. Just really telegraphed, panicked passes and overdribbling.

Otherwise, solid points.

 

[Eternal Return]

The blind hatred for Cook continues even after he's no longer at Iowa. It's just incredible to me. One of the most underappreciated players I can remember wearing an Iowa uniform.

I don't hate Cook. RocknRoll said it better than I could--Garza and Cook both were 5s and didn't play optimally when they were on the floor together. Other comments I made, yeah, could be just that I'm wrong, but on the Garza/Cook playing together on the court at the same time I think there's truth to that. Doesn't mean I hate Cook, though. He was fun to watch.

 

[unoHawkeye]

Right but if you put Garza high your wasting what he does well. Same with Cook.

Playing two 5s together who both play best on the block and aren't good defenders just doesn't work that well.

It's not terrible but it's not optimal.

I argued frequently last year Cook should have been the starting 5 with Baer at the 4, play man and switch everything like an nba team.

Defense would have looked like a totally different team.

A Garza free throw line jumper is still a good look though. And he still has the opportunity to score in a 1-on-1 situation instead of being double teamed like he is this year. Maybe it isn’t optimal, but I would take a senior Cook over sophomore guard McCaffery at the 4 right now instead of having Toussaint/Evelyn man the point, and then slide Connor over to the point. That’s a killer lineup

edit: and it’s not like what we are doing now is doing more to alleviate double teams than what it would if Cook were playing. Garza gets doubled every time he touches the ball anyways. Keep in mind that, last year, Connor couldn’t hit the water if he fell out of a boat. Iowa would be able to adequately space the floor to keep the lane from getting clogged up with defenders, which is what your concern seems to be

 

[Legend12]

Cook and Garza were not complimentary to each other.

They're strengths and weaknesses were redundant instead of complimentary.

Please stop with this.

 

[RocknRollface]

A Garza free throw line jumper is still a good look though. And he still has the opportunity to score in a 1-on-1 situation instead of being double teamed like he is this year. Maybe it isn’t optimal, but I would take a senior Cook over sophomore guard McCaffery at the 4 right now instead of having Toussaint/Evelyn man the point, and then slide Connor over to the point. That’s a killer lineup

edit: and it’s not like what we are doing now is doing more to alleviate double teams than what it would if Cook were playing. Garza gets doubled every time he touches the ball anyways. Keep in mind that, last year, Connor couldn’t hit the water if he fell out of a boat. Iowa would be able to adequately space the floor to keep the lane from getting clogged up with defenders, which is what your concern seems to be

Theres nothing you can do stop another team from doubling. They can defend however they choose.

You can and should beat a double team though. With spacing, and then passing, cutting and shooting.

When teams double they leave someone open. When that someone isn't a shooter it makes the doubling easier and more likely to be effective.

I guess don't know what other arguments I can make when its obvious this team is better than last year, in large part due to playing 4 perimeter players. Especially defensively which no one seems to understand is a factor even though its half the game.