Prospect spotlight: AJ Cooper (2020)
A strong outside shooter who has improved his game throughout the offseason, Basehor-Linwood 2020 guard AJ Cooper is gearing up for a breakout junior season.
At 5’11, Cooper is a strong ball handler who can play either guard position. He is a willing passer and is an improved defender.
He says competing for the KC Spurs helped him improve his defense and has taken his game to another level.
“I feel like our main focus was on defense which is what my high school strives about so i think it will set me up perfectly this upcoming season,” he says. “I also shot the ball really well over the summer so I can carry that into the season as well.”
Cooper says he continues to work on improving his shooting range, getting to the basket, his defense and his communication with other teammates.
He says the biggest influence on his basketball career to date has been coach Terry Robinson from Lansing Kan.
“He was my first competitive basketball coach he taught me the fundamentals,” Cooper said.”He’s always believed in me ever since i was little. He has always been there for me and if I ever needed anything he would be the one I went to.”
A fan of NBA guard Buddy Hield, Cooper says he appreciates the former Oklahoma Sooner’s ability to create offense.
“Plus he’s slept on by most guys just like me,” Cooper said. “I have taken his step back and kind of crafted it into my own thing.”