Iowa basketball: MVP, surprises, and disappointments through nine games

2 of 5

EAST LANSING, MI – DECEMBER 03: Tyler Cook #25 of the Iowa Hawkeyes reacts to a call during a game against the Michigan State Spartans in the second half at Breslin Center on December 3, 2018 in East Lansing, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images) /

MVP Award: Tyler Cook

Could the MVP award through nine games really be given to anyone else?

Tyler Cook has been incredible for most of the season on the offensive side of the board, and he has been more effective than in year’s past on the defensive end as well. He is averaging career highs in points (16.6 ppg), rebounds (8.4), assists (2.6), and minutes (31.3).

These career highs are also team highs in every single category this season. His dominance was on full display in the Iowa basketball team’s last game against Iowa State. The Cyclones just could not stop him no matter what they tried.

Here is what Fran McCaffery had to say about this:

"His energy level was tremendous. Seven offensive rebounds, 26 and 11, and he’s a tough cover. He’s so quick, strong, and powerful. Steve rotated guys on him, put some bigs, some smalls, tried doubling. He got deep position, too; he was able to go quick, and that’s what you’ve got to do."

Within the conference, Cook is slowly making his way up the leaderboards as he sits 10th in the conference in points per game and 8th in rebounds per game.