Prospect Spotlight: Jack Cooper (2019)
Jesuit has post player on the rise in 2019 forward Jack Cooper.
The 6’6″, 190-pounder started on JV last season before moving up to varsity.
“While on JV, I learned to be a leader while showing why I deserved to be on varsity,” Cooper told Prep Hoops Florida. “On JV, I also learned what it takes to be a guard. I realized, after our two starting guards were hurt, that I would need to improve on ball handling to ever be a guard or a true stretch four. Once I got moved up to varsity, I learned what it would take for me to be a key player next season at Jesuit.
Next season at Jesuit I realize that I need to be a playmaker in the post on offense and be a leader on defense. Also on both sides of the floor, I need to be a great rebounder in order for the team to succeed next season. Coach [Neal] Goldman wants me to be aggressive on offense in order to take pressure off of Thierry [Moliere].”
This summer, Cooper is running with Skills Center Elite again. He’s been with the program since 7th grade and says he’s always had great coaching and teammates. He says the Skills Center has really helped him with his confidence and ability to become a better player overall.
“I have been working on getting stronger, quicker and the ability to jump higher this summer,” he said. “These will all help my defense and rebounding. If I do not get stronger, I will get bullied in the post by seniors and also it will be tough to box anyone out. So far, my jumping has improved the most and I have gained multiple inches on my vertical.”
Cooper first picked up a basketball at the age of 3. He officially started playing at age 5 in a recreational league.
In terms of his biggest strengths, he pointed to his post moves and court vision.
“I believe that if I get stronger then no one will be able to guard me down low, which will be important on Jesuit to help get open 3-pointers,” he said. “My court vision will also help me be a playmaker for Jesuit.”
He’s aiming to improve his quickness and strength this year.
No offers or interest have come just yet for Cooper, but as he makes the move to varsity they will show up. Cooper is a game changer and a player that Jesuit hasn’t had over the past few seasons. He will be the guy down low and that bodes well for the Tigers success.