Peter Jok, a name synonymous with Iowa Hawkeyes basketball excellence, carved out a remarkable collegiate career. From his freshman year to his senior season, Jok consistently demonstrated exceptional scoring ability, particularly from beyond the arc and the free-throw line. His achievements have cemented his place in Iowa basketball history, ranking among the program’s all-time greats. This article delves into the impressive statistics, accolades, and key moments that defined Peter Jok’s journey as a Hawkeye.
Early Career and Statistical Beginnings
Jok’s impact was evident from his early years with the Hawkeyes. By the end of his career, he had amassed 1,508 points, placing him 15th on Iowa’s all-time scoring list. His proficiency in three-point shooting is undeniable, as he ranks fourth in program history with 216 made three-pointers. Notably, Peter Jok holds the distinction of being Iowa’s all-time best free throw shooter, boasting an impressive career percentage of .881 (310-352). He also holds the single-season free throw record, achieving an outstanding .911 (154-169) in one season.
Throughout his career, Peter Jok consistently showcased his scoring prowess. He reached double figures in 73 games and surpassed the 20-point mark on 26 occasions. His accuracy from the free-throw line was a consistent weapon, highlighted by four separate streaks of 25 or more consecutive makes in his final two seasons. Beyond scoring, Jok demonstrated defensive capabilities, recording three or more steals in 10 games. His ability to connect from long range was also a key component of his game, as he made four or more three-pointers in 17 contests.
In 2017, Peter Jok was honored with the Chris Street Award, a recognition of character and perseverance. Prior to his junior season, he was recognized as one of the top collegiate players, earning an invitation to the prestigious 2016 Nike Basketball Academy. During the 2015-16 season, Jok’s offensive output was particularly notable. His 80 three-pointers made that season rank as the eighth most by a Hawkeye in a single season, and his 514 points stand as the ninth most scored by an Iowa junior. Furthermore, his .852 free throw percentage in the 2015-16 season ranks as the sixth-best among Iowa juniors. Even early in his Hawkeye tenure, during the 2013 European summer tour, Peter Jok averaged 13.3 points per game, the second-highest mark on the team, hinting at his future scoring impact. His 36 three-pointers made in his sophomore year (2015) already positioned him seventh best among Iowa sophomores.
2016-17: A Standout Senior Season
The 2016-17 season was the pinnacle of Peter Jok’s college career. He started in all 32 games he played, only missing two due to injury, and was recognized as one of the top five finalists for the Jerry West Shooting Guard of the Year Award and a top ten finalist for the Senior CLASS Award. His exceptional performance led to numerous accolades. Peter Jok earned First Team All-Big Ten honors from both league media and coaches, USBWA All-District 7 and NABC All-District 7 First Team selections. He was also named a Senior CLASS Second Team All-American and Associated Press Honorable Mention All-American. Further highlighting his character and team contribution, he received the team’s Chris Street Award and was voted Iowa’s Male Athlete of the Year and Male Hawkeye of the Year. Adding to his impressive list of achievements, Peter Jok won the College 3-Point Championships Champion title and was twice named Big Ten Player of the Week.
Statistically, his senior year was record-breaking. Peter Jok became only the fifth Hawkeye to win the Big Ten scoring title, averaging an impressive 19.9 points per game. He led the Big Ten in free throw accuracy (.911) and ranked third in 3-pointers made per game (2.6). He broke both Iowa’s single-season and career free throw accuracy records. His 636 points that season rank seventh best in a single-season for Iowa, and his 84 three-pointers also rank seventh best. Jok demonstrated his ability to take over games, scoring 30 points or more five times, tying for the most among Power 5 conference players and third-best in a single season at Iowa since 1970. He became the first Hawkeye since Adam Haluska in 2006-07 to achieve five 30-point games in a season. One of his most memorable performances was against Memphis, where he scored a career-high 42 points, also setting career highs in 3-pointers made (8) and free throws made (12). This 42-point outburst was the highest by a Hawkeye player in 40 years and tied for fourth-most in a single game in Iowa history. In a home victory against Indiana, Peter Jok poured in 35 points, fueled by sinking 22 free throws, breaking a 55-year-old school record previously held by Don Nelson. He also recorded four double-doubles throughout the season, showcasing his all-around game. Over his junior and senior seasons combined, Peter Jok made 164 three-pointers, the second-highest two-year total in Iowa history. Nationally, he ranked 37th in scoring and sixth among players from Power 5 conferences, averaging 19.9 points per game. He led the team in double-figure scoring games (29) and 20-point games (15), and paced the team in scoring in 20 games. His consistency in three-point shooting continued, making three or more in 17 games during his senior campaign.
2015-16: Junior Year Success and Recognition
Peter Jok’s junior season (2015-16) was another year of significant progress and recognition. He started all 32 games he played, missing only one due to injury. He was named Second Team All-Big Ten by league media and coaches, CBS Sports, and the Associated Press. He also earned USBWA All-District 7 and NABC All-District 7 Second Team honors and was awarded the team’s Most Improved Player Award. His standout performances led to being named Big Ten Player of the Week on January 18th.
During this season, Peter Jok ranked second on the team in scoring (16.1 ppg) and steals (40), and first in free throw accuracy (.852) and three-pointers made (80). His 80 three-pointers again placed him among Iowa’s single-season top performers. His 514 points ranked ninth-most for an Iowa junior, and his free throw percentage was the sixth-best for a junior Hawkeye. Nationally, he was ranked 64th in three-point field goal percentage (.402) and 114th in three-pointers made per game (2.5). He demonstrated remarkable free throw consistency, making 27 consecutive free throws between February and March. The team’s success was often tied to Jok’s three-point shooting, with Iowa going 11-4 when he made at least three triples. He led the team in scoring in 11 games and ranked sixth in Big Ten conference play scoring, averaging 17.3 points per game. His improvement from his sophomore to junior year was significant, more than doubling his three-point production and increasing his scoring average by 9.1 points per game, the largest improvement in the Big Ten. He scored 20 or more points 11 times, including a then career-high 29 points twice. Iowa had an 8-3 record when Jok scored 20+ points. He joined a select group of Hawkeyes since 2005-06 to average at least two 3-pointers and one steal per game. In Big Ten play, he ranked seventh in three-pointers made per game and sixth in steals. He consistently hit multiple three-pointers, doing so in 25 games, including a streak of 17 out of 19 games. He reached double figures in scoring in 26 games, including 17 of the last 18. He led the team in steals nine times. Throughout the season, Peter Jok had several standout performances, including a game-high 20 points against Marquette, a career-high four steals and 24 points against Florida State, 21 points against Tennessee Tech, and 23 points against #4 Michigan State. He consistently delivered in conference play, with 29 points against Rutgers, 26 points against Maryland, and 27 points against Minnesota.
2014-15 & 2013-14: Building Foundations
In his sophomore year (2014-15), Peter Jok played in all 34 games, starting 21 and averaging seven points per game. He showcased his free throw accuracy, shooting 90 percent in February, and 42 percent from three-point range during the same month. He reached double figures in scoring 11 times and set single-season bests in steals, assists, field goals, and three-pointers. Notable games included 15 points and career highs in three-pointers and steals against UMBC, 14 points against #13 Iowa State, and 15 points against #16 Maryland.
As a freshman (2013-14), Peter Jok played in 26 games and ranked sixth on the team in three-pointers made. His 3-point percentage was eighth-best for an Iowa freshman. He scored in double figures seven times and demonstrated clutch performance, scoring 10 points in the NCAA Tournament game against Tennessee. He posted a personal-best 15 points against Abilene Christian and 14 points against both UTEP and Drake.
High School and Personal Life
Prior to his Hawkeyes career, Peter Jok was a highly regarded high school player. He was a 2013 Parade All-American and first-team all-state player in Iowa, leading Class 4A in scoring average as a senior. He demonstrated exceptional shooting ability in high school, making 42 percent of his three-point shots and 92.6 percent of his free throws. He earned all-conference honors multiple times and participated in prestigious camps like the Nike Top 100 Camp and the NBA Players Association Top 100 Camp.
Born in Sudan on March 30, 1994, Peter Jok majored in sport and recreation management. He is the son of Amelia Ring and the late Dut Jok, and Mike Nixon is his guardian. His older brother also played college basketball. Peter Jok played high school basketball at Roosevelt and Valley, where he was coached at Valley by former Hawkeye point guard Jeff Horner. He overcame adversity early in his career, suffering a torn patella tendon in his left knee as a freshman.
Career Bests
Peter Jok’s career was marked by several outstanding statistical performances:
- Points: 42 vs. Memphis, 11/26/16
- Rebounds: 11 (twice), last vs. Rutgers 1/8/17
- Field Goals Made: 12 at Nebraska, 1/5/17
- Field Goals Attempted: 24 at Nebraska, 1/5/17
- 3-Point Field Goals Made: 8 vs. Memphis, 11/26/16
- 3-Point Field Goals Attempted: 11 (four times), last at Nebraska, 1/5/17
- Free Throws Made: 22 vs. Indiana, 2/21/17
- Free Throws Attempted: 23 vs. Indiana, 2/21/17
- Assists: 8 (twice), last at Michigan State, 2/11/17
- Steals: 4 (four times), last vs. Maryland, 1/19/17
- Blocks: 1 (11 times), last vs. Indiana, 3/9/17
- Minutes: 41 (twice), last vs. TCU, 3/19/17
Peter Jok’s legacy at Iowa extends beyond statistics. He was a dedicated and talented player who consistently performed at a high level, earning the respect of teammates, coaches, and fans alike. His name will forever be remembered in the annals of Iowa Hawkeyes basketball history.
