NORTH LIBERTY, Iowa — Numbers fill Brennan Cougill’s mind as he works this summer to prepare for his first season with the Iowa basketball team.
The numbers extend beyond the statistics the 6-foot-9 post player is compiling in the Prime Time League.
The incoming freshman from Sioux City Heelan, selected as Iowa’s Mr. Basketball in 2009 for his effort at the high school level, works on increasing his shooting percentage with a daily workout with teammate Cully Payne that consists of 150 shots per day.
He also works on reducing the number he sees when he steps on a scale, something that will help condition Cougill’s body for the length of the freshman season that lies ahead.
“It’s something I need to do and I’m working on it,” Cougill said. “I know I need to get in better shape to compete effectively at this level.”
Cougill arrived in Iowa City in June weighing 270 pounds. He wants to trim at least 10 pounds before the Hawkeyes hit the practice court this fall and is working with new Iowa strength coach Rusty Burney to make that happen.
“It’s not happening overnight, but I am making progress. Rusty and I have decided that 260 is where I need to be and I feel like I’m inching toward that,” Cougill said. “Rusty has been a big help, and I’ll get there. I know I will.”
Cougill is working a summer job in Iowa City and spends time in the Carver-Hawkeye Arena weight room four days each week in addition to playing pick-up games with his teammates, competing in the Prime Time League and shooting daily with Payne.
“It’s a pretty full schedule, but I’m glad to be here and excited to get this going. I feel like there is a lot of positive energy around the program right now, and it’s good to be a part of that,” Cougill said.
Cougill has been tested on the court as well. In the summer league, he has found himself facing Northern Iowa center Jordan Eglseder and has gone up against former Panthers big man Eric Coleman.
Those experiences are helping Cougill learn how to defend against bigger players without losing ground.
“I’m not going to be out there against 6-5, 6-6 guys anymore like I was at times in high school,” Cougill said. “I’m learning as I go right now, but this is helping me. I’m seeing why I have to get stronger.’’
Through six games in the Prime Time League, Cougill averages 15.3 points, 9.5 rebounds and 2.0 assists while shooting 58.7 percent from the field.
Ray Swetalla, the Quad-Cities resident who coaches the Prime Time League team Cougill plays on, sees potential as he watches Cougill work.
“He has good hands, he listens well and he has a nice shot. He has a ways to go athletically and he is a freshman. He needs to play against men, and in this league, he is getting a chance to do that,” Swetalla said.
“This should be a good experience for him and he needs to realize that it won’t be quite as easy in the Big Ten as it was in high school. I think he has a good future in front of him, though.’’
Cougill is committed to making that happen.
“I know I’m being counted on to be ready to go from the first day of practice, and I’m planning on being ready,” he said. “I don’t want to let anybody down.”
