Quinn Cook's Role Next Season

[kAzE]

We're still almost 4 months away from the start of the season, but I just came across this Bleacher Report article (sorry), and it got me thinking about Duke hoops again, specifically Quinn Cook, who is kind of the forgotten man with all the new faces and big names.

http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2...ils-in-2014-15

This will be Cook's final year on the team, and it's lone senior. He's been one of the most polarizing players to suit up for Duke in recent memory. On the one hand, he's a pretty steady point guard, always being able to hang around that 2:1 A:TO ratio, and has been generally a reliable long range shooter. On th other hand, he's been very hit or miss defensively. Sometimes, he'll channel his inner Wojo and be a disruptive force, but other times, he'll channel his inner turnstile and let opposing guards blow by him over and over.

It's super early to even think about defining roles on this team, which hasn't even begun practice yet, but where does everybody think Cook will ultimately end up in the rotation? Starting PG? Starter alongside Tyus Jones? Coming off the bench?

[Kedsy]

...always being able to hang around that 2:1 A:TO ratio...

It's probably neither here nor there, but Quinn's lifetime A/TO ratio is better than 2.6:1. His worst season-long A/TO ratio during his time at Duke was 2.4:1. Just saying, that's a lot more impressive than "hanging around" 2:1.

[kAzE]

It's probably neither here nor there, but Quinn's lifetime A/TO ratio is better than 2.6:1. His worst season-long A/TO ratio during his time at Duke was 2.4:1. Just saying, that's a lot more impressive than "hanging around" 2:1.

You're right, of course. I also neglected to mention that he's the highest scorer returning from last year's team. He was 3rd on the team, behind Jabari and Hood with 11.6 ppg

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

He's been one of the most polarizing players to suit up for Duke in recent memory.

I thought the most polarizing figure was MP3, but I'll take the bait...

I'd like to see Quinn starting this year. I think it would indicate that he has matured and developed as a player, and that he has the best skill-set to lead our very talented team to victory. I think the "polarization" we have all witnessed is due to his hit and miss displays of talent. When he's "on," he is one of the better PGs we have had in the last decade or so. When he isn't, he looks overwhelmed, cranky, and out-of-place.

If he can continue to stroke from downtown while distributing the ball to the other four very talented players on the court, our offense will be extremely difficult to defend. Additionally, if he can dig deep into a bit of the TT nastiness on the other end of the floor, I'd love to see him fluster opposing PGs.

Anyway, having said all that, I suppose I'm not necessarily "predicting" that Quinn will be the starter, but rather hoping that he will. It will offer some veteran leadership at the PG position (the most important place to have a talented and calm individual) and give the younger players someone to learn from.

[Olympic Fan]

There's not an option for "all of the above"

Over the course of the season, that would be my prediction.

And, BTW, Quinn's career A/TO rate of 2.64/1 is on pace to break the school record of 2.50/1 set by Wojo.

[kAzE]

There's not an option for "all of the above"

Over the course of the season, that would be my prediction.

And, BTW, Quinn's career A/TO rate of 2.64/1 is on pace to break the school record of 2.50/1 set by Wojo.

I guess, the way I worded the poll, I meant for it mean: "What will his role ultimately become, once the rotation is more or less finalized for the stretch just before the postseason and thereafter."

And thanks for that stat, I definitely didn't know he was doing that well. I would have guessed Hurley held that record, but I just looked it up: 1074:534 for a 2.01 ratio. Ouch, that's a ton of turnovers!

[CDu]

There's not an option for "all of the above"

Over the course of the season, that would be my prediction.

And, BTW, Quinn's career A/TO rate of 2.64/1 is on pace to break the school record of 2.50/1 set by Wojo.

Cook's main problem seems to be that the quality of his PG play diminishes when the calendar year changes. In ACC play, he's averaging just a little over 2:1 assist:turnover ratio, with a substantially lower APG numbers (~4 apg). In the pre-conference season, he's averaged about 6 APG and an assist:turnover ratio approaching 3:1.

That trend has held in each of the last two years. And it isn't just a function of easier opponents. He was the MVP of the pre-season tournament in 2012, which included a win over Louisville in which he was amazing.

I'm not exactly sure why his PG play and confidence seems to deteriorate in ACC play, but it has been noticeable in each of the last two years.

It will be interesting to see how he does this year, when he's arguably/likely not the best PG on the roster for the first time perhaps in his entire Duke career.

[lotusland]

I guess, the way I worded the poll, I meant for it mean: "What will his role ultimately become, once the rotation is more or less finalized for the stretch just before the postseason and thereafter."

And thanks for that stat, I definitely didn't know he was doing that well. I would have guessed Hurley held that record, but I just looked it up: 1074:534 for a 2.01 ratio. Ouch, that's a ton of turnovers!

Ok I voted before reading this post so I voted for Quinn to start and Jones to come off the bench. I have no idea how good Jones will be but I haven't heard K make the kinds of statements about Jones' expected role as he did about Kyrie, AR, Jabari and Okafor coming in. For that reason I'll expect him to contribute but struggle at times as most freshman point guards do. I also really hope Quinn has an MP2 like senior year where he exceeds expectations and turns perceived weaknesses into strengths. I think QC is at least as likely to become a good defender and leader as Mason was to become a really good post scorer and serviceable foul shooter. I think guys like Nolan and Mason who struggle as under classmen but really put it together as upper classmen are the most fun to watch so that's what I'm rooting for. Also if both Quinn and Jones start with Rasheed at 3 I think we'll be a tad small. I'm hoping Jones2 is either the 3rd guard or splits reserve minutes with Jones1.

[kAzE]

I thought the most polarizing figure was MP3, but I'll take the bait...

I wouldn't say MP3 is a polarizing player, because almost EVERYONE wanted him to either get more minutes or in some extreme cases, just flat out be the starter last year (ludicrous). The definition of a polarizing player is that some people really like him, while others really dislike him, with not much in the middle in the way of opinion. I didn't say QC is THE most polarizing guy, there's probably a better example, but he's definitely one of them. Just look at the poll, most people think he should start, but there's clearly no consensus.

For the record, I've always been in Cook's corner, I think he's a great PG, and this year, his first year playing with a dominant offensive big (MP2 was good, but he's no Okafor), I think he will finally get to that level that we've all hoped for.

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

I wouldn't say MP3 is a polarizing player, because almost EVERYONE wanted him to either get more minutes or in some extreme cases, just flat out be the starter last year (ludicrous). The definition of a polarizing player is that some people really like him, while others really dislike him, with not much in the middle in the way of opinion. I didn't say QC is THE most polarizing guy, there's probably a better example, but he's definitely one of them. Just look at the poll, most people think he should start, but there's clearly no consensus.

All I know is that whenever I voiced the thought that perhaps MP3 is exactly what he appears to be rather than a savior from on high who just needs more minutes to flourish, I got my message box flooded and got hammered with negativity. Perhaps he's just polarizing in my own mind.

[wilko]

Respectfully - I cant answer this Q this far out.

If Quin is the same guy he was last season - then he may come closer to filling in the role TT had last yr.
If he comes in ready to work, 100% healthy, new & improved and ready to roll - its his job to lose. Hes earned THAT much.

I dont understand how he can move and cut so fluidly on O; but then have cinder-block feet when playing D. Whatever is the root of THAT issue needs to be over and done.

[kAzE]

All I know is that whenever I voiced the thought that perhaps MP3 is exactly what he appears to be rather than a savior from on high who just needs more minutes to flourish, I got my message box flooded and got hammered with negativity. Perhaps he's just polarizing in my own mind.

Yeah, so everyone else was on the same pole, while you were just being moderate. I take it you weren't really hating on him, so that makes him more of a 1-pole guy than a truly polarizing figure. The negativity towards Cook isn't necessarily as prevalent on this message board, but in other places on the internet, people have been pretty brutal in their opinions towards him.

[Mtn.Devil.91.92.01.10.15]

Of course I wasn't hating on the guy. Just beig what I saw as realistic about what to expect out of the kid. And, I also would love to be wrong. I just feel that between MP1 and MP2 and he meteoric unexpected rise of Zoubek in 2010, people are putting unwarranted hopes and dreams on the kid.

Anyways, I would love for MP3 to blow it out this year. And I would love Quinn to be he senior leader this team could really rally around.

But... I am glad we have lots of youg talent to fall back on... Just in case our fairy tale doesn't play out that way.

[johnb]

Quinn is a warrior. He might get frustrated if he becomes an entrenched 9th man on the team, but it won't come to that. He'll be out there leading the team even if--as is likely--he's in a 3 person guard rotation for the big games (with Tyus and Rasheed). As for who is starting in February, I doubt the coaches know for sure.

[flyingdutchdevil]

Cook's main problem seems to be that the quality of his PG play diminishes when the calendar year changes. In ACC play, he's averaging just a little over 2:1 assist:turnover ratio, with a substantially lower APG numbers (~4 apg). In the pre-conference season, he's averaged about 6 APG and an assist:turnover ratio approaching 3:1.

That trend has held in each of the last two years. And it isn't just a function of easier opponents. He was the MVP of the pre-season tournament in 2012, which included a win over Louisville in which he was amazing.

I'm not exactly sure why his PG play and confidence seems to deteriorate in ACC play, but it has been noticeable in each of the last two years.

It will be interesting to see how he does this year, when he's arguably/likely not the best PG on the roster for the first time perhaps in his entire Duke career.

Totally agree. IMO, I thought Cook was sometimes our second best player before January last year. And this was with Jabari and Hood playing well.

I am interested in understanding how Cook will respond this year. Coach K likes giving responsibility and talking up players before the season even starts, so I wonder if he'll talk up Cook (I think he'll say more great words about Okafor and Sulaimon, at the very least. He did this with Jabari, Hood, and Amile last year).

I voted that Cook will be a starter with Jones coming off the bench. Cook is one of our best 3pt shooters who is a solid distributor and ball handler. His D is suspect and his driving is mediocre at best (at least once opponents figured out how to stop his spin move). I'm not too sure if Jones will be a better defender or driver on the college level. It awaits to be seen. I really like Cook and love his attitude. I hope that Coach K makes him a captain and he leads vocally and by example.

All in all, I have a ton of optimism in Cook (I have optimism for all Duke players, but the optimism-to-skill level is highest for Cook in my book)

[FerryFor50]

Cook's main problem seems to be that the quality of his PG play diminishes when the calendar year changes. In ACC play, he's averaging just a little over 2:1 assist:turnover ratio, with a substantially lower APG numbers (~4 apg). In the pre-conference season, he's averaged about 6 APG and an assist:turnover ratio approaching 3:1.

That trend has held in each of the last two years. And it isn't just a function of easier opponents. He was the MVP of the pre-season tournament in 2012, which included a win over Louisville in which he was amazing.

I'm not exactly sure why his PG play and confidence seems to deteriorate in ACC play, but it has been noticeable in each of the last two years.

It will be interesting to see how he does this year, when he's arguably/likely not the best PG on the roster for the first time perhaps in his entire Duke career.

I think it's a loss of focus. I think it could be a combination of:

1) Overconfidence from his stellar early season play causing him to go from distributor to trying to be the hero
2) Lack of focus due to fatigue of the season drawing out
3) Lack of focus due to the quality of teams not being perceived to be as good (ie, Wake is no KU)
4) Lack of focus due to changing minutes/roles
5) Lack of focus due to injury (like when he tweaked is ankle)

I think when you see "bad Quinn," it's generally when he's not concentrating, making lazy passes, trying to do too much.

[CPDUKEGUY24]

I fully intend to see Quinn get his chance to take the reigns, and progress back into the starting PG spot. However; I wouldn't hesitate to say that any stumbles out of the gate, could spell Tyus-time and/or in general a loss of starting minutes for him. Either way, we have two great options at PG and I am excited to see them compete for the chance to lead the first team! It's not our mis-fortune to have these concerns.

[gurufrisbee]

I know how sacrilegious it is suggest Coach K isn't perfect around this board, but I really felt he badly misused Cook last year. The offense never worked half as well without him on the floor. His penetration and shooting are badly needed - they were last year even with Jabari and Rodney (whose skills both ruined any offensive flow and team offensive concepts). And while his defense came and went - so did every other Duke guard. Cook needs to start, he needs to be shown confidence, and he needs to be the leader. I think - and I truly hope - Duke rolls out Cook, Jones, and Sheed in a three guard line up with Okafor and Amile.

[Native]

FWIW, I've been hearing good things about Quinn's improvement over the summer, particularly with regard to perimeter shooting.

[uh_no]

FWIW, I've been hearing good things about Quinn's improvement over the summer, particularly with regard to perimeter shooting.

That's interesting.

Perimeter shooting is not what's going to keep him on the floor as a PG...improvement in decision making on the floor will do that, especially composure in late game/clock situations, where we often fell apart last year.

What perimeter shooting will allow him to do is serve as a more effective off ball guard who can pop the three and throw a nice dime.

I think the biggest thing he can do to ensure being on the floor is be more effective on the perimeter on D. We have a lot of players on this team, almost all of them will be gunning to be on the floor. If one of the other guys (matt, grayson) can provide significantly better D with a comparably productive offense, then I imagine Quinn's minutes will decrease really fast. Of course this is assuming an awful lot, not the least of which, that tyus is the player many predict him to be.

Now of course, K values experience...which bodes well for quinn, but there are also examples of seniors ending up with significantly diminished roles as the teams changed around them. I'm not suggesting this is what WILL happen to quinn, but I think all the 4 options on the top of this poll are certainly viable, even if not equally probable. I certainly hope the best for quinn, but my personal "prediction" if you will (and absolutely meaningless, at that) is that he will see himself on the bench in crunch time.

I've had lengthy posts here on this topic in the past, but the crux of the argument is that he has not showed much improvement over the past two years in some of the weakest aspects of his game, namely on ball defense, and pressure decision making, each of which contributed significantly to many of our losses last year (certainly not blaming quinn for the losses, simply pointing out that his weaknesses aligned with areas in which the team as a whole was also weak). While there are instances of significant senior year improvement, such change is certainly not the rule, and often the exception.

I hope that folks will understand that my prediction of quinn's future does not in any way constitute my desire for quinn's future, and I, like everyone else, hope he makes huge improvement.