Peter Jok has had a busy summer. In an effort to get drafted, he’s performed at the NBA Combine with upwards of a dozen teams while finding time to raise money at home. With the NBA Draft tomorrow, he’s done about all he can do. It’ll now be in the hands of his agent and GMs to see where he lands for next year. Since Pete is a likely second round draft pick, it’s a possibility for him to be “draft and stashed” a la Aaron White. Or, if he goes undrafted, his season could mirror that of Jarrod Uthoff’s. But that is another discussion for a later day.

Notables

Name: Peter Jok
College: University of Iowa
Height: 6’ 5.75”
Weight: 202.4 lbs
Wingspan: 6’ 8”
Age: 23 years

College Career

After getting off to a slow start in his freshman season, Pete was the best Hawkeye in limited minutes in the NCAA tournament loss to Tennessee. With conditioning concerns plaguing him throughout much of his first two years, he upped his minutes, volume, and efficiency in his junior year. At times, he was the best player on the court.

In his swan song as a senior, Jok continued his offensive improvement as he became the leading scorer in the Big Ten and first team all-conference. All of this was during a season when he was facing the top defensive player on each team. While he showed different pieces of his game - impressive press defense against Minnesota and pick and roll prowess against Purdue - he will be remembered for his ability to fill it up. In a fitting end, his final act in a Hawkeye uniform was winning the 3-point contest in Arizona as part of the Final Four festivities.

Strengths

Spot-up 3-point shooting: With a picture perfect stroke, quick release, and deep range, Pete is tailor-made to slide into the NBA as a 3-point specialist to stretch opposing defenses. When he was the number two option on Iowa’s 2015-16 team, his 3 point percentage was the highest. This bodes well at his prospects for next year, as he is unlikely to face the best defender of an NBA team and can serve as a tertiary scorer.

Getting to the line: In Jok’s senior year, he showed an aptitude at drawing fouls and making free throws at a 91% clip - a school record. His fouls drawn/40 minutes (5.7) were rated 144th in KenPom while his free throw percentage was tops in the conference.

Limited playmaking: While his assist rate was third on the team, he showed a propensity for passing, often out of the pick and roll, in Iowa’s win over Purdue.

Weaknesses

Defense: While Jok was able to get steals on defense, he struggled overall in maintaining a high motor on that end. While some is attributable to him resting so he could have more energy on offense, it is a concern for whoever drafts him.

Injuries/conditioning: Peter Jok suffered two significant knee injuries in high school. Though he has recovered, playing 82 games is a huge jump from the 30+ he played per year in college. On top of that, his body fat percentage was among the highest at the combine.

Turnovers: Pete would struggle at times with his handle as he dribbled high from the floor. In some instances, he would drive to the basket looking for a foul and be unable to convert or pass it away.

Overall

Jok has worked out for many teams in various states of competence. While teams like Boston, Golden State, and San Antonio offer great landing spots in terms of culture, they might not have a path to playing time like New Orleans, New York, or Orlando. Wherever he ends up, it will be important to shore up his defensive concerns because struggling there is the easiest way to ride pine. If he can improve defensively, I expect his offense to shine in limited minutes next year.