University hires new basketball head coach
Adey Adeola
Contributing Reporter
Issue date: 4/13/09 Section: Sports
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Supporters of Cooper say he "exemplifies and displays intelligence, persistence, and dedication." For them, these qualities are what the basketball program has been missing lately.
Cooper, a former Wichita State University player and Rhodes Scholar, had been an assistant basketball coach for fifteen years at various universities including, Fayetteville State, South Carolina, and Auburn University--where he spent the past five seasons.
Cooper vowed that the program will go about business differently by improving academics, discipline, team unity, and community involvement.
"We have to be giving ourselves, we have to get out in the community, we need to do community service, and we're gonna change the culture." Said men's head basketball Coach Cooper
"I think it's very exciting and important for having a plan to get involved in the community and also improving the universities' fan base." said TSU President Melvin N. Johnson in agreement to Cooper's plans.
Cooper believes that the program has the potential to be a winning program with a few changes and upgrades.
For example, he said the team must have structure and organization to get back to the winning ways.
"I've always thought this program was a diamond in the rough," Cooper said.
Wallace Dooley, sports information director, said, "It is very exciting to have man in this program who will represent change and discipline, which is what this team needs."
Cooper said that big changes wiare under way that will earn the respect of many.
"I'm very excited that he is going to help bring us together, have team unity, and being a family," said sophomore forward Darius Cox.
"I think it's going to be good for our team and he seems pretty cool." Said freshman guard Parker Smith
Cooper said that he plans to have commitment on and off the court that will reach out further than the Gentry Center.
Cooper vowed that his door will always be open to the young men. Basketball will only be a portion of what the team's responsibility is in growing as men, he said.
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