Prospect Spotlight: Cooper DeJean (2021)
With the Class of 2021 set to emerge as breakout stars this winter across the Iowa high school hoops landscape, you can expect guys like Cooper DeJean to begin to strengthen their legacies.
After a strong freshman season at OA-BCIG, the 5-foot-11 guard has already been identified as one of the state’s standout sophomores. And the ability to score the ball and also assist are obvious strengths of his.
“I like to get to the bucket, and I’m athletic and strong and like to get teammates involved,” said DeJean. “I’m trying to work on my jumpshot, to get that more consistent.”
DeJean was one of many, many prospects from the Martin Brothers’ 15U squad who debuted in the initial 2021 rankings. He says playing with them this past spring and summer was a good experience.
“This past AAU season was good, I thought we played pretty well at times and other times we could’ve done better. Once we all start playing together, I think we have a very talented team and we will be pretty good,” said DeJean. “I thought I had some good games and some bad games, I could’ve done more, but just have to get consistent with my performances.”
As a freshman at OA-BCIG, DeJean averaged 7.1 points and 2.3 assists. He’ll be a very key returner for the Falcons this season.
“This winter, I think I will take over more as a leader and a scorer for our team, but we still have other great guys that also can score,” said DeJean. “My role will be different this year because I will be playing more and scoring and becoming a leader for the team.”
And 12 months from now, DeJean could be a guy that warrants a lot of college interest.
“Recruitment hasn’t really started up yet, I’ve just gotten a couple of letters. But hopefully that will take off this next season,” he said.
“This next year, I’m hoping I will get taller and keep working on my game and hopefully start getting some recruitment interest this winter.”
Cooper DeJean is ranked by Prep Hoops as a top 40 prospect in his class. To see the full ranking of Iowa’s 2021 class, click here.