Illinois forward Brian Cook gave the Fighting Illini a memorable season, but fell short of what he wanted most - a regular-season Big Ten title.

Cook, who averaged 20.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game - tops in scoring and third in rebounding in the conference - had his sights set on capturing Illinois' third consecutive Big Ten championship this season. While his stats were good enough to earn Big Ten Player of the Year, his goal of a regular-season crown went by the wayside.

"This award is just half of what I wanted," Cook said with a bittersweet tinge. "I wanted a Big Ten championship but that didn't happen. I didn't get the complete package like I wanted to."

Illinois finished the Big Ten season 11-5, one game shy of tying outright-winner Wisconsin. The Illini finished their season 24-6 overall and won the Big Ten Tournament, earning a No. 4 seed in the NCAA Tournament.

"Ever since about halfway through the year, something just clicked on," Cook said. "I've played with a lot more passion for the game, more hard work, more intensity. All the hard work paid off."

But Illinois head coach Bill Self said Cook needn't be disappointed. He said Cook should take solace in his player-of-the-year acclaim as a team achievement.

"The only reason you win an individual award is if your team does well," he said. "I don't think he had any pressure (to post big individual numbers). If he felt pressure it was him wanting to perform well."

"Perform well" is what they certainly did. Cook played with the top freshmen backcourt in the league, and arguably in the nation. Guards Dee Brown and Deron Williams finished second and third (4.74 and 4.70 apg), respectively, in conference assist totals. Brown also was named to the Big Ten Freshman First Team.

Cook entered this year's campaign as a pre-season candidate for the Wooden All-American Award as college's most valuable player. Midway through the season, he was selected as a finalist for the honor, which will be announced after the NCAA Tournament.

And with the regular season behind him, it's certain Cook anticipates tournament wins from the NCAA. Prior to the Big Ten Tournament, he said Illinois had "nine games" left, referring to the three wins needed to win the conference tournament and the six needed to vault Illinois to the NCAA championship game.

"I've got a lot of time left here," Cook said in regard to Illinois' postseason chances. "I'm ready to keep this rolling."

Half of that mission was completed with Illinois' victory over Ohio State on Sunday in the Big Ten Tournament finals.

Regardless of tournament hardware, Self is proud of his star forward.

"Anybody that watches us play can never claim that Brian Cook didn't sacrifice for the good of his teammates," Self said. "That he didn't play physical, didn't give his body up."

Someone who played against him can attest to that. MSU senior forward Aloysius Anagonye stood toe-to-toe against the Big Ten's best player for four grueling years.

"He got stronger. That's one thing I definitely credit him for," Anagonye said. "His game's gotten better. He causes a lot of problems inside and out. Mostly out, because not a lot of big fellas can step out (and hit 3-pointers)."

Proven by the nature of the Big Ten's competitiveness, Anagonye and Cook both got the better of each other this season. After getting in early foul trouble against MSU at Breslin Center on Feb. 2, Cook was limited to just 13 points in 22 minutes in a 68-65 MSU win.

The Illini got the best of Anagonye and the Spartans the next time around on Feb. 18, this time in Champaign's Assembly Hall. Although Cook was nearly a nonfactor (4 points, 3 rebounds), the Illini trounced MSU 70-40.

"Michigan State and Penn State were the only two games he did not produce in big ways," Self said. "Strictly because he played 20 minutes or less because of foul trouble."

Anagonye agreed.

"If you get in foul trouble, everything is out of sync," he said. "Sometimes you can be on the road and everything's off. It doesn't take away from who you are or the type of player you are."

And as for where the future takes Cook, Anagonye offered his sentiments to his formidable foe.

"I don't know him personally, but if his game speaks for the kind of person he is, he's going to go somewhere."