Jok's sizzling play pushes Hawkeyes to top-10 ranking

IOWA CITY — Iowa guard Peter Jok captured Big Ten Player of the Week honors after scoring 23 points at Michigan State and 16 points against Michigan. But it's his defense that has helped elevate the Hawkeyes from Big Ten contender to league favorite.

In one second-half sequence against the Wolverines, Jok shifted from pure scorer to versatile playmaker at both ends of the floor. Two possessions after a Jok 3-pointer put Iowa ahead by four points, Jok stripped a driving Zak Irvin and the ball caromed to Iowa forward Nicholas Baer for a steal. The Hawkeyes cruised up the court, and Jok passed up a decent shot and dished to an open Anthony Clemmons for a 3-pointer. On Michigan's next possession, Jok rebounded Irvin's miss, and then drilled another 3-pointer. Jok then secured a steal from Duncan Robinson on the Wolverines' next trip.

'They have a heck of a junior who has stayed the course,' Michigan Coach John Beilein said. 'We didn't worry about him when he was a freshman and now all of a sudden he's Tim Hardaway III.'

Every play was pivotal in extending Iowa's lead from one point to 11. Jok's overall play has helped the Hawkeyes (14-3 overall) vault to No. 9 in both major polls and their first 5-0 start in league play since 1997.

'His anticipation has been great,' Iowa Coach Fran McCaffery said. 'He's been able to defend really good players in this league, he's more physical than he's ever been because he's stronger, he's older, and smarter.'

'I try to be active with my hands,' Jok said. 'I've been real good at try to deflect (passes), trying to read (opponents) and trying to shoot into the gap and get it. I try to read them. I'm doing real good in practice on doing that.'

Jok averages 13.9 points a game, tied for 14th among Big Ten players. He's a dangerously streaky shooter, which he demonstrated in both Iowa wins last week. At then-No. 4 Michigan State, Jok scored 19 points in the first half alone with three 3-pointers and was 6 of 8 from the field. In the first half against Michigan, Jok missed both of his 3-pointers and had only two points at halftime. Jok knocked down all four 3-point attempts in the second half.

'Peter is one of the best players in the Big Ten,' said Iowa forward Jarrod Uthoff, who leads the Big Ten in scoring at 18.6 points per game. 'I can't say enough about him and his ability to make shots. His ability to make tough shots and clutch shots down the stretch is uncanny. That helps me, and it helps the team both. When you've got a guy like that who can make those shots consistently, it's huge for your team.'

Jok, who stands 6-foot-6, is a difference maker for the Hawkeyes. He struggled to see time on the floor because of his defensive liabilities as a freshman. He worked diligently on his on conditioning and defense. Jok ranks third among Big Ten players in steals at 1.4 per game.

It's his complete game that has turned Jok into one of the Big Ten's best players. He has the confidence to see it for himself.

'Every time I go out there, I feel like I'm the best player,' Jok said. 'Who's ever guarding me, I try to go against them, I feel like I'm better than them. When coach gave me the ultimate green light, my confidence went way up. I just go out there and do what I do best because I don't have to worry about making mistakes and coming out.'

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