College Commitment – Jackson Cooper (2023 Cleveland/Oregon Tech)

There are many ways to get to the Division I level of college basketball, and in today's game it very well may not be directly out of high school. The original intention of Jackson Cooper after graduating from Cleveland High School was fully set on completing his college career at Oregon Tech, and he was totally fine with doing so. But after an incredible junior season that saw him earn Cascade Conference Player of the Year and NAIA All-American honors, it became apparent a move to NCAA D-I was possible. The all-around 6-foot-7 forward made the decision to pursue that path, and after making a couple of official visits decided that he'll take on the challenges ahead at Indiana State.

Cooper committed to the Sycamores after making his trip to Terre Haute, Indiana this past weekend. "I mean just going on my visit they showed so much love and welcomed me and my mom into the program," Cooper said. "I could immediately feel the support of the community and university as well as the importance of men's basketball in Terre Haute. Coach Graves and Coach Feig have been great communicators and the fit worked out perfectly. Along with that the success of ISU and the history of men's basketball just put it over the top."

Cooper had previously visited Chattanooga, but there was no question the fit was just right for the versatile forward who averaged 17.7 points, 7.7 rebounds, and 5.8 assists while shooting over 56 percent from the field this past season at OIT. He was completely sold on how that all would translate to the Sycamores program. "The coaching staff has been super good with showing me how my game will translate and the importance of my playmaking along with leadership," Cooper said. "I am just excited to impact winning and be a part of a championship level program."

While Cooper now moves on, there's no question he's grateful for the time he had in Klamath Falls - and the support he not only has received but will continue to receive going forward. "My time at OIT has developed me not only as a basketball player but as a man," Cooper said. "OIT is such a special place and I can't speak highly enough about the culture and community of the program. OIT has prepared me for the next level in ways that I could have never imagined."

"And to be honest the first people I talked to about opening up my recruitment was Coach Parnell and the coaching staff," Cooper said. "They were massive parts of my process and decision and they helped me decide that this was the best thing for myself and my family."

Our congratulations go out to Cooper and his family on his decision.