Nov. 18, 2008
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IOWA CITY, Iowa – – Forward/center Brennan Cougill of Bishop Heelan High School in Sioux City has signed a national letter of intent to join the University of Iowa men’s basketball program. The announcement was made Tuesday by Hawkeye Coach Todd Lickliter.
“It’s nice to have Brennan officially become a part of the Hawkeye program,” said Lickliter. “He’s been a Hawkeye for a long time. We appreciate his commitment to our program.
“Brennan is a versatile big guy who feels comfortable facing the basket,” added Lickliter. “He has great hands, good court sense and vision. He’s a good shooter and an even better passer. We’re excited to have Brennan and Eric (Eric May from Dubuque Wahlert HS) officially become a part of our family.”
Cougill (6-9, 260) became the first in-state player to commit to Lickliter’s program when he gave the Hawkeyes his verbal commitment in September, 2007. He averaged 19.5 points, 11 rebounds and two blocked shots per game as a junior. He earned first team all-state honors a year ago after earning third team recognition as a sophomore. Cougill was invited last summer to the invitation-only NBA Top 100 camp in Virginia.
As a junior, Cougill led Heelan to a 20-4 overall record, including a return trip to the Class 3-A state tournament. Heelan was defeated in the quarter-finals by eventual champion Dubuque Wahlert. Cougill collected 10 points and 10 rebounds in the loss.
As a sophomore he averaged 15.5 points and nine rebounds a game as Heelan placed second in the state tournament. His tip-in basket in the semi-finals allowed Heelan to advance to the title game.
Iowa (2-0) returns to action Thursday at The Citadel (6:05 p.m. CT, Hawkeye Radio Network) and returns to Carver-Hawkeye Arena to host Oakland University Sunday, Nov. 23 (5:05 p.m., BTN).
Tickets remain on sale for all remaining games on the 2008-09 home schedule. Tickets may be purchased at the UI Athletics Ticket Office in Carver-Hawkeye Arena or online at hawkeyesports.com or by calling 1-800-IA-HAWKS.