Virginia Prospect Spotlight: Amari Cooper (2018)
Last year’s 25-2 Wakefield Warriors team featured a balanced attack; with four players averaging double figure scoring numbers. With the departure of two of those four top scorers, junior Amari Cooper is expected to make a leap in production this year. The…
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Continue ReadingLast year’s 25-2 Wakefield Warriors team featured a balanced attack; with four players averaging double figure scoring numbers. With the departure of two of those four top scorers, junior Amari Cooper is expected to make a leap in production this year. The athletic wing has good potential and can do a number of different things on the court.
“I’m becoming a more versatile player. Been working on my handles this summer. Starting to bring the ball up the court more,” Cooper began when asked to describe his game. “I play hard. I believe I play harder than anybody else on the floor.”
We saw several signs of Cooper’s willingness to give max effort each time he hits the court. At 6-foot-3, Cooper’s length and leaping ability along with his tireless work rate make him a very adept rebounder. Cooper had a number of double doubles, and snatched a season-high 18 boards in Wakefield’s two-point defeat vs. L.C. Bird in last year’s 5A State Semifinal.
“Basketball IQ.” Cooper replied when asked what he needs to work on. “Knowing when to do things and when not to do things. Being a smarter player.”
There’s no denying Cooper’s ability to slash and finish in traffic. He is very good at getting to the basket in one-on-one scenarios. Given his improved ball-handling and jump shot, Cooper should look to thrive even more in those situations this year.
“I’ve been doing well in school,” said Cooper when asked about his grades. “I just checked the other day, and I have a 3.1 GPA.”
Cooper’s recruitment remains in its infancy, but he does claim interest from the likes of Gannon and VA Wesleyan among other schools. What can coaches who are recruiting Cooper expect him to bring to their program at the next level?
“Energy. Thats what i bring the most. When my team is down, I can bring the energy.”