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Yes, it's a Michigan State alum we're writing about and not a current Spartan player. But once a Spartan, always a Spartan, and the green and white colors bleed deep. That means we're not about to let a breakout performance from a former Michigan State standout go unnoticed.
Carson Cooper made his NBA Summer League debut for the Memphis Grizzlies, and it was nothing short of spectacular.
While much of the attention was focused on Cameron Boozer, the former Duke star who was selected with the third overall pick in the NBA Draft, plenty of other young players had an opportunity to showcase their talents. That included Aday Mara for the Oklahoma City Thunder, but it was Cooper who stole the show for Memphis and showed he may have a legitimate chance to become one of the more intriguing incoming players in the NBA when given an opportunity.
Cooper played 19 minutes off the bench, and while he didn't start, every second he was on the floor mattered. He made the most of his opportunity and immediately showed why the Grizzlies took a chance on him.
In those 19 minutes, Cooper finished with 11 points, including two on an iconic alley-oop slam. It felt a little strange watching Cooper catch a perfectly timed lob from someone other than Jeremy Fears Jr. After watching that Michigan State duo connect for highlight-reel dunks time and time again, seeing Cooper do it in a Memphis uniform was different. At the same time, it was exciting to watch him continue to show his ability to drive, elevate, and throw down powerful finishes no matter who was delivering the pass.
The alley-oop was poetic in a way. It was also a reminder that Cooper has officially moved on from the green and white and is beginning the next chapter of his basketball career.
That wasn't his only highlight.
Cooper also threw down a monstrous two-handed dunk after catching the ball in the paint during the second quarter, rattling the rim much like Spartans fans became accustomed to seeing at the Breslin Center. It was another reminder that his athleticism translates just as well to the professional game.
It wasn't all about the dunks, though.
Cooper also flashed a part of his game that Michigan State fans didn't get to see nearly enough. He knocked down a smooth mid-range jumper that barely moved the net, showing confidence in his shooting touch. Even more impressive, he connected on his lone three-point attempt. While Spartans fans rarely saw Cooper step behind the arc, many believed he had that ability in his game. In his Summer League debut, there wasn't much hesitation as he confidently buried the shot.
Cooper also added five rebounds, using his size, strength, and physical frame to battle underneath the basket. He consistently bodied up Thunder players, including former Michigan Wolverine Aday Mara, and held his own on both ends of the floor.
His passing ability also stood out.
One of Cooper's underrated traits during his time at Michigan State was his willingness to find the open teammate instead of forcing a play. That unselfishness carried over into his Summer League debut, as he finished with three assists and consistently made the right basketball decision whenever the opportunity presented itself.
Overall, Cooper put together an outstanding first impression in Memphis' convincing opening Summer League victory. He finished with 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists while shooting 5-for-6 from the field and a perfect 1-for-1 from three-point range.
Cooper is battling for an opportunity to prove he belongs with the Grizzlies at the NBA level, and if his Summer League debut is any indication, he is off to an excellent start. There is still plenty of basketball left to play this summer, but Cooper couldn't have asked for a much better opening performance as he continues chasing his NBA dream.
Continue reading...
Carson Cooper made his NBA Summer League debut for the Memphis Grizzlies, and it was nothing short of spectacular.
While much of the attention was focused on Cameron Boozer, the former Duke star who was selected with the third overall pick in the NBA Draft, plenty of other young players had an opportunity to showcase their talents. That included Aday Mara for the Oklahoma City Thunder, but it was Cooper who stole the show for Memphis and showed he may have a legitimate chance to become one of the more intriguing incoming players in the NBA when given an opportunity.
Cooper played 19 minutes off the bench, and while he didn't start, every second he was on the floor mattered. He made the most of his opportunity and immediately showed why the Grizzlies took a chance on him.
In those 19 minutes, Cooper finished with 11 points, including two on an iconic alley-oop slam. It felt a little strange watching Cooper catch a perfectly timed lob from someone other than Jeremy Fears Jr. After watching that Michigan State duo connect for highlight-reel dunks time and time again, seeing Cooper do it in a Memphis uniform was different. At the same time, it was exciting to watch him continue to show his ability to drive, elevate, and throw down powerful finishes no matter who was delivering the pass.
The alley-oop was poetic in a way. It was also a reminder that Cooper has officially moved on from the green and white and is beginning the next chapter of his basketball career.
That wasn't his only highlight.
Cooper also threw down a monstrous two-handed dunk after catching the ball in the paint during the second quarter, rattling the rim much like Spartans fans became accustomed to seeing at the Breslin Center. It was another reminder that his athleticism translates just as well to the professional game.
It wasn't all about the dunks, though.
Cooper also flashed a part of his game that Michigan State fans didn't get to see nearly enough. He knocked down a smooth mid-range jumper that barely moved the net, showing confidence in his shooting touch. Even more impressive, he connected on his lone three-point attempt. While Spartans fans rarely saw Cooper step behind the arc, many believed he had that ability in his game. In his Summer League debut, there wasn't much hesitation as he confidently buried the shot.
Cooper also added five rebounds, using his size, strength, and physical frame to battle underneath the basket. He consistently bodied up Thunder players, including former Michigan Wolverine Aday Mara, and held his own on both ends of the floor.
His passing ability also stood out.
One of Cooper's underrated traits during his time at Michigan State was his willingness to find the open teammate instead of forcing a play. That unselfishness carried over into his Summer League debut, as he finished with three assists and consistently made the right basketball decision whenever the opportunity presented itself.
Overall, Cooper put together an outstanding first impression in Memphis' convincing opening Summer League victory. He finished with 11 points, five rebounds, and three assists while shooting 5-for-6 from the field and a perfect 1-for-1 from three-point range.
Cooper is battling for an opportunity to prove he belongs with the Grizzlies at the NBA level, and if his Summer League debut is any indication, he is off to an excellent start. There is still plenty of basketball left to play this summer, but Cooper couldn't have asked for a much better opening performance as he continues chasing his NBA dream.
Continue reading...
