Prospect Spotlight: Deshaun Cooper (2019)
Poway junior F Deshaun Cooper has been one of the more pleasant surprises in San Diego this spring and summer.
A long, wiry post prospect, Cooper didn’t start playing organized hoops until he was in 7th grade. He burst onto the scene this spring playing for the California Bearcats 15u team (Cooper doesn’t turn 16 until fall).
He continued his improving play at the Jared Dudley Elite Skills Academy in June, impressing coaches with his motor, improving rim protection, post play (nice jump hook over left shoulder) and rebounding.
But his ability to run rim-to-rim and finish offensive rebounds and transition plays above the rim are his best attributes right now.
Cooper said he has been working on his game everyday with his HS and club coaches, former San Diego State guard DJ Gay and longtime NBA center Chris Dudley.
“I’ve been working more on the post and understand how to work with body contact from my AAU coaches,” Deshaun said. “Also, I spend all the open time I can get in the gym with my point guard on both my high school and travel team, Adam Sevier.”
Cooper said he’s working on improving his ball handling, rebounding and court awareness on both ends.
Cooper’s high school coach, Scott Fisher, said he’s been impressed with his growth. A junior varsity player last season, Cooper likely will play a prominent reserve role for a solid Titans team.
“He’s gone from not playing a lot as a freshman and sophomore to likely being our backup to Jordan (Cooke-Harper),” Fisher said. “He’s getting better every day.”
College coaches are starting to pay attention, too. He claims interest from Barry University, Point Loma Nazarene University and Houston Community College. He’s looking to turn the interest into offers with a strong July.
“For the July travel tournaments, I hope to play well and turn heads with my play in Vegas,” Cooper said.