July 7, 2009
Watch an exclusive video of newcomer Cougill
IOWA CITY, Iowa — When it comes to in-state recruiting and keeping Hawkeyes in the Hawkeye State, University of Iowa head men’s basketball coach Todd Lickliter is pitching a perfect game. After signing Matt Gatens a year ago, Iowa locked up the state’s second consecutive Mr. Basketball winner in Brennan Cougill of Sioux City Heelan.
“I grew up watching the Hawks — Jeff Horner, Greg Brunner and those guys,” Cougill said. “Being a Hawkeye fan my whole life was a big part (in selecting the University of Iowa).”
Cougill led Sioux City Heelan to the Class 3A state championship last season with lopsided victories over New Hampton, Carroll and Norwalk. Cougill averaged 21.6 points and 10 rebounds per game during the tournament while shooting 72.2 percent from both the field and the free throw line. During his senior season, Cougill averaged 18.2 points and 13.3 rebounds per game.
“Right now I’m more of a back-to-the-basket guy,” said Cougill, who stands 6-feet-9 and weighs 260 pounds. “I’m trying to develop into more of a consistent face-up-and-shoot kind of guy, not looking to bang, bang, bang and hit that hook shot, even though that is pretty-much all I did my whole high school career.”
Since signing with Iowa, Cougill said one of his biggest areas of emphasis has been working on outside shooting. He has a summer job in Iowa City and schedules work around weight-lifting sessions every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.
“I also try to get in the gym for 100 to 150 shots every day,” Cougill added.
Iowa returns six letterwinners (five with starting experience) from a team that finished 15-17 in all games last season, 5-13 in the Big Ten Conference. The Hawkeyes were 13-4 — 8-0 in nonconference games — inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
“We’re going to be better than what people think,” Cougill said. “Our guys have improved a lot. (Anthony) Tucker is back, Jarryd (Cole) is getting better and we’re going to keep improving throughout the season.”
Gatens, Iowa’s 2008 Mr. Basketball and who was named to the conference all-freshman team as well as fourth team freshman All-American, turned in an impressive rookie season with the Hawkeyes. Among freshmen in the Big Ten Conference, Gatens ranked first in free throw percentage, three-point percentage and minutes played, second in three-point field goals per game and third in scoring. For the season Gatens averaged 10.8 points, 3.8 rebounds and 2.2 assists. Now he will be teamed with another Iowa Mr. Basketball.
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Iowa returns six letterwinners (five with starting experience) from a team that finished 15-17 in all games last season, 5-13 in the Big Ten Conference. The Hawkeyes were 13-4 — 8-0 in nonconference games — inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena.
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“I’m going to come in and do exactly what the coaches want me to do,” Cougill said. “I’m here to help this team and play my part.”
Cougill calls playing in the Prime Time League a learning experience. A teammate on the Vinton Merchants is Tucker, who averaged 10.4 points and three rebounds a game during the 2008-09 collegiate season. During the first six games of the PTL, Cougill is averaging 15.3 points per game with a high of 24 points and 11 rebounds June 22.
“Growing up in Iowa you don’t see the 6-9’s or the 6-8 people,” Cougill said. “The Prime Time League will get me used to playing against tough competition. It will get me ready for the pounding I’ll have to take during the season.”
Although classes have yet to begin, Cougill intends to major in education with the hope of one day becoming a teacher and coach. A strong academic reputation is another reason Cougill selected the UI.
“Athletics isn’t always going to be there for you,” he said. “There is a great atmosphere at the University of Iowa. It’s top dog in the state.”
Iowa opens the season Nov. 8 with an exhibition game against Marian College inside Carver-Hawkeye Arena. The first regular-season home game is Nov. 15 with the O’Reilly Auto Parts College Basketball Experience Classic.
“There’s definitely going to be a lot of adrenaline,” Cougill said. “There’s going to be quite a few fans here to see how some of our new guys can come in and play right away. It’s great here. You have fans coming up and saying, `Welcome to Iowa City. Hopefully you stay here awhile.'”