NJIT Basketball: In-depth look at junior Highlanders guard Zach Cooks

Expectations for Cooks in 2019-20

The expectations of the team have already been touched on earlier, but what about the expectations for the Highlanders star player? The junior gets the ball on every offensive possession and has the green light to shoot when he gets the ball. Even despite all that the guard only took about 14 shots a game. That may change this year as a season ago Cooks was part of a starting lineup that had two seniors who were also double-digit scorers. They took some of the pressure off the guard and he was able to work his way into a better shot. This season Cooks is going to get the keys to the offense and is going to be expected to score early and often.

It was mentioned that Cooks has the potential to be named the player of the year in the ASun conference, which would be another Highlander first. To go along with the player of the year aspirations, the guard has a chance to play professional basketball. It may not be in the NBA and time will tell if he gets drafted, but if the scoring and defense continue and his per minute averages remain as efficient as they are any professional team will find a place for the guard’s services.

As the best player on the team, many of the younger players are going to look to the guard for guidance and leadership. The Highlanders will need Cooks to further develop that part of his game if the team wants to accomplish their overall team goals. The ASun is a conference that is strong at the top, NJIT should be considered one of those teams that has a chance to win the league.

In addition to Cooks, the Highlanders will have two players with starting experience to pair to form a good trio. Those players are Shyquan Gibbs and San Antonio Brinson. Those three players will provide the needed leadership and scoring punch to help the Highlanders achieve higher goals this season.