Peterson: It's all about defense — and mom — for Peter Jok

CHICAGO — Everyone has told Peter Jok to concentrate on defense, from his agent, to his former college coach, to his coaches at this year's NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. His ticket to the next level is all about who he's going to guard.

It’s been the singular obsession of this former Iowa Hawkeye star since winning the NCAA's annual 3-point shooting contest that’s held in conjunction with the NCAA Final Four. Defense this. Defense that.

“It’s like I eat and sleep proving to people that I can play defense,” the former Iowa shooting guard said after going 0-for-6 in 22 minutes during a scrimmage at the combine. “Focus on defense. That’s what everyone says.”

That mindset, however, will be placed on hold during the upcoming Memorial Day weekend. His mom will be coming to Des Moines, and how long has it been since he's seen her?

“Going to be great,” the former West Des Moines Valley star said. “I haven’t seen her in well over a year; she’s been working in South Sudan.

“It’ll be great to get my mind off basketball for a little bit.”

He just as well could have said “mind off defense,” but he didn’t.

“I feel like I’m a better defender than what people think,” Jok said after his Thursday game. “I know I’ve got a long ways to go in that department.

“I’ve already proven that I can shoot. My energy here is on defense.”

Jok led the Big Ten Conference in scoring at 19.9 points a game. He scored 1,508 career points. He shot 41.3 percent over his four seasons, including 37.8 percent from 3-point range.

He didn’t play much defense, the legend goes.

“He’s got to prove that he can play that end of the floor,” an NBA scout said Thursday, obviously requesting anonomity. “He hasn’t proven it. Pretty much, Peter is one-dimensional.”

That’s the perception — or the perceived reality — he’s trying to change.

There’s not a lot of room for one-tool players in a league that’s essentially positionless. Everyone handles the ball. Everyone shoots.

And everyone plays defense.

“I’m trying to show people I can defend,” Jok said again, responding to the same question with each wave of reporters that crowded around his interview table. “I got beat a couple times (Thursday), but I tried to have all my energy on defense and not offense.”

He’s not listed among mock drafts, but that’s not a big deal — neither was Iowa State’s Abdel Nader, who ended up being the 59th selection, by Boston, in the last NBA Draft. He went on to become last season’s D-League Rookie of the Year.

“When you get to No. 45 and 50 — you’re just looking for one guy that you really like,” ESPN basketball analyst Fran Fraschilla said. “When you get to (picks) 51, 52 and 53 — it’s a total crapshoot.”

The other knock on Jok is that he’s not a physical player; he’s had an assortment of injuries. He underwent knee surgery as a high school freshman.

He’s trying to prove that one wrong, too.

“I feel very good right now,” Jok said. “I feel great.”

Jok went through a three-game spell where he combined for just 28 points on 9-of-30 shooting. After that, he missed games against Ohio State and Rutgers.

“He’s obviously been struggling physically,” coach Fran McCaffery told reporters then.

He’s had back and leg injuries. Most recently, it was his shoulder — his shooting shoulder.

“I don’t think I’m that far behind,” he said. “It’s good.”

Initially, Jok was a combine alternate. He was working out in Phoenix when he got the news that he’d been invited.

“It was a blessing,” said Jok, who plays another game on Friday. “I was prepared either way. Coming to Chicago gives me a chance to show people that I can play defense, too.”

Everyone already knows what his best skill is.

“The next level is about more spacing — and I’m a shooter,” Jok said. “That’s one asset they need in the NBA — shooters. I know I can help a team out by knocking down 3-pointers, which a lot of teams need.”

He’s working out for the Celtics next Tuesday. He’s also had contact with the Pelicans, Heat and Bucks.

"I’m trying to show them I’m healthy and that I can play defense,” Jok said. “That’s my mission.”

And there’s also that Memorial Day reunion with his mom — and on that day, defense can wait.

Randy Peterson, senior sports reporter, has been with the Register for parts of five decades. Randy writes opinion and analysis of college football and basketball. You can reach Randy at rpeterson@dmreg.com or on Twitter at @RandyPete