Issue link: https://catalog.e-digitaleditions.com/i/1046648
134 sending one home against Michigan last season. What goes through Cook's mind when he goes up for one of those rim-rattling jams? "I almost black out," said Cook. "I will be conscious when I am taking a couple of dribbles into it, but when I take my 1-2 step, I black out, and it almost goes in slow motion. e Penn State dunk, Shep Garner was pretty far out, but I was like, 'I am going to go for it anyway.' "I took a couple dribbles and jumped and I am like, 'I am not getting to the rim. ere is no chance I will get to the rim.' I remember floating in the air, waiting for myself to get to the rim, but I got there. ank God, because I am sure coach would have had me on the bench had I not made that one." Cook is always going to be a ferocious dunker, but leading into his junior season, he wants to be a complete player. "e Xs and Os take care of themselves," said Cook. "I have become a smarter basketball player over the summer and offseason. I understood the game and I will be able to execute the game better this season. My knowledge has improved and I will be able to do things I haven't been able to in the past." McCaffery has seen steady growth in Cook's skills and he sees a player ready to lead. "He's handling the ball better, is all over the glass, and is making plays off the dribble," said McCaffery. "All the things that were within his game, he is doing more consistently and it has been fun to watch." Cook's leadership will be paramount, as the Hawkeyes look to rebound from a forgettable 2017-18 season. e Hawkeyes finished with a 14- 19 record. "You want to get rid of the sour taste, but we have to use that experience to help us get better," Cook said. Cook's growth will be a major part of that regardless of what jersey he's wearing. "I expect him to be one of the best players in the country, not just our league," said McCaffery. "I think that's the expectation he has for himself."