Minutes for Iowa's Cougill, Brommer fluctuate on practice, opponent

Sophomore Andrew Brommer and freshman Brennan Cougill - both of whom stand 6-foot-9 - have contributed varying minutes in the post recently, mostly based on practice and opponent, Iowa Coach Todd Lickliter said.

Cougill has played in every game but totaled just two minutes against Tennessee State and one minute against Penn State before playing 12 minutes at Michigan State. Over the same three games, Brommer played 18 minutes against Tennessee State, 14 against Penn State and only five at Michigan State.

"Sometimes, what you do is you watch in practice and the guys who have been most consistent in practice and you feel like the matchup is a good matchup, you go with them," Iowa Coach Todd Lickliter said. "If you go with them early and they struggle for some reason in one area or another, then you know you're not going to continue in that regard, you're going to give the other guy a chance to go in.

"The other thing is they have different skills sets. Andrew has been in the program for a year and a half now, so he should have an advantage over Brennan in recognition and understanding of technique and his responsibility defensively, whereas Brennan is a better pick-and-pop guy. He shoots it well he's got good offensive skills that are kind of highlighted by his ability to shoot it."

Both players have made modest contributions while in the lineup. Over the last three games, Cougill has five points, two rebounds and two turnovers, while Brommer has 10 points, four rebounds and one turnover. 

"Andrew's a pretty skilled player," Lickliter said. "He can put it on the floor, he passes it well. You just look and think, 'OK, which one has had good practice, which one do you feel like has earned the opportunity?' You give them that opportunity early and if they perform, the other one might watch that night."

Cougill, the state's reigning Mr. Basketball after a stellar season at Sioux City Heelan, has started seven games this year but none in the Big Ten. He plays mostly at power forward to spell Aaron Fuller, but also replaces center Jarryd Cole at times. Brommer, who hails from Rosemount, Minn., almost exclusively plays at center.

"They're not exactly the same position," Lickliter said. "Brenna is almost a four, a big four, where he can face up. Andrew is closer to a five. He can put it on the floor, but he's got some size and probably a little more comfortable as far as his back to the basket."