While they are here, appreciate players like Carson Cooper.
Cooper and Michigan State would have readily separated methods in the past. Cooper, a zero-star prospect on the B squad at IMG Academy, received an invitation from MSU, which was quite unusual.
He was not scheduled to be on the team in East Lansing. At times, it didn’t appear like it would always work out. Unfortunately, Cooper never entered the portal. He received a starting position as a senior and made good use of it.
Cooper appeared amazing during his senior year, looking nothing like his freshman self. He’s more athletic, moves laterally better, has a consistent jump shot and jump hook, and rebounds far better. Cooper averaged 11. 1 points and 7. 1 rebounds while starting all 35 games.
Cooper’s Message
On Thursday, Cooper posted a message on social media thanking Michigan State fans all over the world for his four years with the team.
Spartan Nation, I’m just a youngster from Jackson, Michigan, who got to live out a goal, Cooper stated. After four years of dedication to Michigan State, I am leaving as a member of the Spartan family.
Coming to Michigan State and joining the men’s basketball team, being a student here, and being a member of this wonderful institution was the greatest decision I’ve ever made.
The memories I’ve made here will live with me forever.
From MSU Madness to crowd-surfing at the Izzone Campout, to hearing “Cooooopp” when my name was announced, to the enthusiasm our supporters brought to the Breslin Center every game, there is no finer spot to play college basketball.
To our supporters and alumni, you demonstrated me how vital this institution is to the 500,000 living alumni. Every game, whether at home or away, you were there to cheer us on. Many institutions do not offer such assistance. We do.
MSU Keeps Talent
Thank you for your help over the last four years. I may have arrived here as a child from Jackson, but I’m leaving as a Spartan. Forever.
According to CBS’ Isaac Trotter, Cooper and fellow MSU senior Jaxon Kohler were two of 22 scholarship-level seniors at high-major institutions who remained with the same program for four years. The Big Ten, a conference with 18 clubs, had the most of the five main conferences (Big 12, Big East, SEC, ACC), with 10.
That’s why stories like Cooper’s are still important in the transfer portal era. It would have been tough to envision him having the career he did if he had picked Eastern Michigan, Vermont, American, or Duquesne, Michigan State’s other bids.
Perhaps he would have gained more playing time if he had switched to a mid-major institution after averaging 6. 6 minutes per game as a rookie. Cooper chose to play the long game, which Spartan fans should be grateful for.
