The unsigned seniors are starting come off the board. For
Jackson Cooper
Jackson
Cooper
6'5" | SF
Cleveland | 2023
State
OR
this week, it was his turn. The gritty 6-foot-5 forward from Cleveland High School definitely picked up interest from a wide range of college programs at different levels and his stellar senior season intensified his recruitment. But when it came down to it, OIT was the pick and he became the latest from the Portland area to head down to Southern Oregon and the Klamath Falls area.
“Great relationship with the coaches, great offer and they offered 2 of my best friends,” Cooper said. “I like the culture about the program and the way they carry themselves, I see myself coming in and working my butt off to start contributing.”
OIT had offered Cooper a scholarship in the fall and stuck with him throughout the year. While the hard-working forward enjoyed the recruiting process and made a number of campus visits, in the end, OIT was the place where he felt he could really improve his game.
“I feel like I am nowhere near my full potential,” Cooper said. “So from the day I get to OIT I will be developing every part of my game with college-level guys.”
This past season, Cooper averaged 15.5 points, 10.2 rebounds, and 4.2 assists – the last statistic indicative of how talented of an interior passer he is to go along with his strong mid-range game and ability to hit the glass. Cleveland fell one game short of making a return visit to the Chiles Center for the state tournament, but Cooper loved what he and his teammates did – not just this season but for the school as a whole.
“I think with the circumstances that were dealt to us I think we played great,” Cooper said. “I think we grew tremendously as a team and the legacy and culture that we have built at Cleveland over the years has been adapted by the younger groups. That was my main goal of this season.”
Our congratulations go out to Cooper and his family on his decision.