"It was real difficult. I was wondering why I wasn't out there," Cook says. During a freshman season in which he played 595 minutes--and sat another possible 685--he frequently wondered what he needed to do to earn consistent playing time. "That entered my mind a lot," he says.
Bill Self, in his first season coaching the Illini, smiles wide when he says of Cook, "I just think ... I think he's going to be awesome."
"I just think I belong on the court." Brian says.

“It’s not a big deal for me. I just try to go out there and work hard and try to make a contribution,” Cook said of being considered for Big Ten Freshman of the Year. “I think I have been getting smarter and stronger with each game, and each time out I am learning a little bit more,” Cook said.