Hawks’ Cole found leadership taxing last year while rehabbing

Iowa center Jarryd Cole knows about the trials of leadership.

While recovering from a torn ACL in his left knee, Cole was named a team captain last season. His ability was limited, and he couldn't lead by example in practice or in games. It was difficult for the soft-spoken junior from North Kansas City, Mo., who doesn't often make his point vocally.

“It wasn't all about me,” Cole said. “I had to be there for the team. Be there for the University of Iowa, not for myself, and give to them what they gave to me.”

Cole, 21, is the unquestioned leader now with his physical presence and leadership skills. But one year ago Iowa Coach Todd Lickliter drew questions from fans and media about promoting Cole to captain.

Cole, who stands 6-foot-7, barely played and lacked physical explosion. Only twice in the first 20 games did Cole play more than 20 minutes. Only once did he score as many as eight points.

Lickliter wanted Cole's knee recovery to accelerate, too, but it wasn't worth losing his leader and his future.

“I said I'd like to, just as far as your game experience and playing the game, I'd like to take this at a rate where I feel you're going to be comfortable,” Lickliter said. “He told me after the season, ‘Coach, I think that was a really good idea.'”

It wasn't easy to accept last season, however.

“It was real hard to be patient, but Coach (Todd) Lickliter knew exactly (what) was going on,” Cole said. “As much as I wanted to be out there and play, I really couldn't do it. It was kind of hard. I'm really thankful Coach Lickliter had the last say because if it was up to me, I'd probably be out there. I would have gotten hurt worse than I already was.”

By the end of last season, Cole's mobility improved and his minutes increased. He played at least 21 minutes with nine starts in the final 12 games. Five times he scored in double figures. In the off-season, he increased his bench press to 375 pounds and was fully healthy. It showed during a European trip when he averaged 19 points and 11 rebounds, and in the Prime Time League when he scored nearly 22 points a contest.

“Once I got past the mental attitude of my knee not being completely healed, everything was fine for me,” Cole said. “I think that was the biggest part for me.”

Cole was highly sought after his senior year at Winnetonka High School. He grew up a Missouri fan and was taught about strength and toughness from his parents, Linda and Cornelius Cole. He picked Iowa because of the school's history.

Now he's ready to resume his injury-interrupted career as a player. Armed with a positive attitude and desire for improvement, Cole's goal is to turn around a program that has struggled the last three seasons, including a 28-36 record in his tenure. Cole has led team-bonding exercises, such as competitive bowling parties and team outings at movies. Cole's leadership was necessary after four players with eligibility left the program last spring, something that could have sent the rest of the team spiraling downward.

“With adversity you can't back down,” he said. “You've got to keep going forward. We haven't had the best two years that I've been here, but there's always an upside to everything. We're on an upside right now.”