re: What’s the story on Jalen Cook and Daimion Collins?

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All this talk about cook and rightfully so , but Carlos Stewart has had “ knee soreness “ for awhile now . He also got hurt right after he was benched . This a guy we were counting on to be a huge contributor this year . I’ve also heard the staff is not happy at all with cook or Stewart and would be surprised if we see either of them to finish this year . Makes the job Matt has done the last couple of weeks even more impressive when two guys he was counting on this year are choosing to sit in warmups on the bench while their teammates play their arse off without them

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Agreed 100% that McMahon has been doing tremendously with a depleted roster. I think there's a silver lining to Cook's injury, it's allowed Ward to come into his own as a player and have a larger role on offense. Against Vandy especially I loved his shot diet. He wasn't afraid to take it into the paint and it's clear he's not afraid of contact. He had some nice hop steps, spin moves, etc.

On the other hand, I was EXTREMELY disappointed with Stewart's production this year. I was really high on him coming out of Santa Clara. I do think a large part of his lack of production has to do with role, scheme, and fit- BUT even when he did get a chance to shine a lot of it was poor and underwhelming. He also contributed to our piss poor perimeter defense at the start of the year.

Unless he makes huge leaps in the offseason, I don't really know where he fits into the team moving forward. Curtis Givens is likely better and at worst just as good from day 1. If Cook stays (which depends entirely on whether or not he graduates imo) Stewart will be pushed further down the rotation. I genuinely think we can get someone better in the portal. Hell if we sign Anthony Gilkes he'd probably be better than Stewart. I've even joked to some of my buddies that MM should politely ask him to transfer.

Regarding Cook, I do think he genuinely was dealing with a hamstring injury. Watching his movement after the win vs Kentucky sold it on me. I think that he is cleared to play now, but he is likely not at 100%. Undoubtedly, he's choosing not to play. But the WHY is just conjecture. Maybe he wants to transfer. Maybe he wants to wait until he's 100%. Who knows. What I do know is that he is a good player (but he is replaceable) and that the things Trae Hannibal does contribute more to winning.

I'm not as low on Cook as others. I do think his body language has been poor at times (reminds me of Brandon Murray), but I do think if MM pulls the reins in on him he could be a productive player. Better shot IQ and an emphasis on making others around him better would make him a better fit for this team.