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Boys Basketball: New Trier’s Cook working on shooting touch
Steven Cook drives to the basket during Saturday's game between New Trier and St. Ignatius. | Morgan Glier~Sun-Times Media
Updated: July 23, 2012 6:32AM
Steven Cook knows this upcoming season will be different.
No longer can he play in the shadows of teammates Connor Boehm and Austin Angel.
More than ever, the New Trier rising senior will be asked to make major contributions on the court.
“My entire goal this summer is to improve my game,” the Princeton recruit said. “I think I am accomplishing that so far.”
One thing the 6-foot-4 Cook is working on is his scoring. Last season, Cook wasn’t required to deliver a huge offensive output, but the Trevians will need him to take control of games this winter.
“I am trying to be more aggressive,” he said. “I wasn’t a first option last year, but that’s what I am trying to be now. I’ve also got to work on my ball handling. At the college level, I will need to be able to bring the ball up the floor.
“I can’t shy away from the ball anymore.”
Some of the shots Cook is mastering this offseason include everything from mid-range, spot-up jumpers to pull-up jumpers in the lane.
“I am looking to find other ways to score, which will be useful to me and the team,” Cook said.
Next month, Cook will rejoin Fundamental University, his AAU club. Other area players include Glenbrook North’s Andrew McAuliffe and Niles West’s David McCoy.
College players Cully Payne and Ben Brust have worked out with Fundamental University this summer. Payne plays at Loyola-Chicago, while Brust is at Wisconsin.
“It’s been great to have those guys playing with us,” Cook said. “It brings out the best in us.”
Along with Cook, the Trevians will lean on Reid Berman and Jordan Thomas next season. All three saw significant time on the court as New Trier captured its first regional championship since 2010.
“It’s already been a long summer, but it’s been a good summer,” Cook said.
