2008 Woodie Awards
Making an impact: Talented point guard taking on some big roles in first season
Aaron Blatch, Sports Reporter
Issue date: 11/29/07 Section: Sports
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Becoming a leader of a Division I basketball team.
Being responsible for creating shots for veteran teammates.
Stepping into the position already played by the team's best returning player.
Beginning your career against the number-one ranked team in the country.
Many freshmen would shy away from the responsibilities of a starting college point guard, but for Youngstown State's Vance Cooksey, this job description is not that different than the one he has had since fourth grade.
"The expectations are higher now, but I've been playing point guard all my life," Cooksey said. "I know my role on the court is to find my teammates, run the offense and lead the team."
The Chicago native was drawn to YSU because the coaching staff made him feel welcome and head coach Jerry Slocum's up-tempo style fit well with his quickness and decision-making skills.
His plans were put on hold, however, when he was forced to sit out last season as a redshirt to meet NCAA eligibility requirements. This time away from basketball helped Cooksey understand what Slocum expects from his athletes and forced him to dedicate himself more to class work.
"Wow, it was hard for me," he said. "I've been playing basketball since fourth grade. It humbled me as a person on and off the court because I learned the expectations for me. I got to focus on academics."
With those troubles behind him, Cooksey was inserted into the starting lineup immediately. His relationship with his head coach continued to progress as a result of daily conversations about the game and his belief in the Penguins' system.
This has shown on the court. The guard is a major reason for the Penguins' solid play in their 2-2 start, leading the team in assists, steals, 3-point percentage and minutes played. But perhaps his biggest impact on the team is that his presence has enabled last year's point guard, Byron Davis, to move to two-guard where he has more freedom to look for his own shot. Davis has thrived in this role, leading the team in scoring, with Cooksey often setting him up for baskets.
Being responsible for creating shots for veteran teammates.
Stepping into the position already played by the team's best returning player.
Beginning your career against the number-one ranked team in the country.
Many freshmen would shy away from the responsibilities of a starting college point guard, but for Youngstown State's Vance Cooksey, this job description is not that different than the one he has had since fourth grade.
"The expectations are higher now, but I've been playing point guard all my life," Cooksey said. "I know my role on the court is to find my teammates, run the offense and lead the team."
The Chicago native was drawn to YSU because the coaching staff made him feel welcome and head coach Jerry Slocum's up-tempo style fit well with his quickness and decision-making skills.
His plans were put on hold, however, when he was forced to sit out last season as a redshirt to meet NCAA eligibility requirements. This time away from basketball helped Cooksey understand what Slocum expects from his athletes and forced him to dedicate himself more to class work.
"Wow, it was hard for me," he said. "I've been playing basketball since fourth grade. It humbled me as a person on and off the court because I learned the expectations for me. I got to focus on academics."
With those troubles behind him, Cooksey was inserted into the starting lineup immediately. His relationship with his head coach continued to progress as a result of daily conversations about the game and his belief in the Penguins' system.
This has shown on the court. The guard is a major reason for the Penguins' solid play in their 2-2 start, leading the team in assists, steals, 3-point percentage and minutes played. But perhaps his biggest impact on the team is that his presence has enabled last year's point guard, Byron Davis, to move to two-guard where he has more freedom to look for his own shot. Davis has thrived in this role, leading the team in scoring, with Cooksey often setting him up for baskets.
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