Recruiting Report: Amari Cooper (2018)
Wakefield senior Amari Cooper has seen his game evolve a great deal since last high school season. The 6-foot-5 wing has always been a high level athlete, but has gained confidence with the ball and has seen his scoring numbers increase this preseason.
“You can really call me a baby Draymond Green,” Cooper said with a smile. “I can get in your head. But I can also score the ball. That’s what’s been jumping this year. Last year i only averaged 11. I’ve been finding my spots this preseason. My ball handling is getting better.”
Cooper says his vision and his shot are the two most improved parts of his game this year. We saw him efficiently score 17 points on 5 of 6 from the field, and 7 of 10 from the line, while adding 10 rebounds and three blocks last weekend in a win over Stone Bridge at the South County Jamboree. Cooper, who is used to drawing contact, has seen his free throw attempts take a jump this preseason as well.
“I’ve always been the type to attack the basket and try to finish,” Cooper stated. “Right now, I need to work on my decision making. I think if we want to be successful as a team this year, we need to trust in one another. Don’t worry about what anyone is saying. We have a motto. It’s called move on and rise up.We’re all a family right now.”
Navy is reportedly expressing interest in Cooper, who currently holds a division two offer from Newberry College. Big South programs in need of a versatile, high energy wing should definitely take a look at Cooper. He is without question one of the best available seniors in the state of Virginia. What can he bring to a college program?
“I can bring toughness.”