Asked at Iowa’s basketball media day Monday how many more games the Hawkeyes would have won in the Big Ten a year ago with a healthy Jarryd Cole on the court, the sophomore guard served up a lightning-quick answer.
“All of them. We would have won all of them. We’re putting that all on Jarryd,’’ Peterson said, flashing a smile.
A torn left ACL suffered in Iowa’s final non-conference game prevented the freshman forward from helping a team that lost six Big Ten games by six points or less, but the 6-foot-7, 250-pound sophomore’s healthy return is seen by Hawkeyes coaches and players as a difference maker.
“Having him back is huge,” guard Jake Kelly said. “He’s going to help us rebound, he’s going to help our defense. He’s worked his tail off to get ready to go and we’re as excited as he is to have him back.”
Cole averaged 6.6 points and 4.8 rebounds before suffering the season-ending injury. He has been fully cleared for the start of practices and surprised Iowa coaches when he ran the mile during preseason conditioning tests in 5 minutes, 33 seconds, a time typically more expected out of a guard.
“I’ve put everything I have into getting back onto to the court and being ready to go from the first day of practices,” Cole said. “I appreciate things a little more now, and I’m ready to get going.”
Coach Todd Lickliter is ready for that as well.
“He gave us a taste of his abilities a year ago and we expect him to be one of our leaders on and off the court,” Lickliter said.
Cole and senior Cyrus Tate have named captains of this year’s Iowa team.
“That means a lot to me, but we have a lot of guys who can lead. We need that from everybody,” Cole said.
One-digit dedication
Freshman Matt Gatens committed to the Hawkeyes program during his freshman year at Iowa City High and finally slipping into an Iowa jersey for the first time meant a lot to the son of former Hawkeyes player Mike Gatens.
“It felt great. It’s been a long-time dream, and it’s finally time,’’ said Gatens, who was selected as Iowa’s Mr. Basketball after leading his high school team to the Class 4A state title last season.
Gatens is wearing jersey No. 5 this season. His father wore No. 50 during his career from 1974 to 1976, but Gatens said he preferred to let Cole keep his uniform number.
“I feel more like a 5 than a 50 and besides, 5 was number worn by my favorite Hawkeye growing up, Andre Woolridge. That’s really why I picked it,’’ he said.
Public practice set
Iowa will not have its annual Black-and-Gold Blowout scrimmage this year, but the Hawkeyes are opening practice to the public Saturday, Oct. 25.
The workout at Carver-Hawkeye Arena will run from 1 to 3 p.m. and will be followed by a meet-the-Hawkeyes event at nearby Coral Ridge Mall that will provide fans with autograph opportunities and a chance to meet Iowa players.
Raring to go
Like the other six newcomers on the Iowa roster, freshman Aaron Fuller is anxious for practices to begin on Friday.
“We’ve all been here for what seems like six months, so to finally have practices begin as a team, that’s huge,’’ Fuller said. “It’s a sign that the season is just around the corner, something we’re all looking forward to a lot.’’
Just one
Iowa will play just one exhibition game this year, hosting Wayne State (Mich.) on Sunday, Nov. 9, but the exhibition six days before the Hawkeyes’ season opener won’t be the only outside competition Iowa faces in the preseason.
The Hawkeyes have a closed scrimmage scheduled with DePaul the previous weekend, a workout that by NCAA rules must be closed to both the public and media. Iowa had a similar closed scrimmage last season against Illinois State.
Steve Batterson can be contacted at (563) 383-2290 or sbatterson@qctimes.com. Comment on this story at qctimes.com.
