LSU's Jalen Cook talks return, performance vs. Texas

LSU lost to Texas 96-85 on Saturday afternoon in Houston, but Jalen Cook’s return marked a spark of optimism as LSU approaches conference play in the coming weeks.

Cook ended the game with 13 points on 5-of-15 shooting with six assists and four rebounds with just one turnover. LSU’s offense scored 85 points on the Longhorns in one of the better offensive performances of the year, though, as Cook took the helm.

Here’s what the Tigers had to say about Cook’s return after the game.

Jalen Cook

On his return

“It felt great to be back. It’s been a long time coming. It was high energy and a good matchup for us. We came out kind of slow, but it was a good game.”

Did you feel rusty in the first half?

“I was definitely [rusty]. I missed some easy ones, but that comes with it since I haven’t been out there. We’re going to get back to it and get back in the gym and make some tweaks. On the defensive end I need to pick it up, but I felt good out there.”

On missing the first 10 games

“It’s been a great experience. We’ve been working hard and this was a great comeback game against Texas.”

Matt McMahon

“It’s great to have him back out there. He put in the work and he’s going to shoot a lot better than he did tonight, but he did a really nice job running the team. Texas was putting two on the ball and he made the right plays out of those, ending with six assists to one turnover. He did a really nice job of executing for us offensively”

Jordan Wright

“I made a couple shots and it felt like I was in a good rhythm. We played with great pace on offense. It’s a great thing to have Jalen back out there. He facilitated the ball well and the gravity that he pulls was the difference for me.I was able to get some good looks early in the second half and the rim was huge for me from there.”