Michael Cooper

Michael Cooper played two seasons (1976–1978) for the University of New Mexico before entering the NBA Draft. While detailed individual season stats from his college years are limited, here are some key points:

Points per Game (PPG): Cooper averaged about 14.5 points per game during his two years at New Mexico.
Rebounds per Game (RPG): He averaged around 6.5 rebounds per game.
Assists per Game (APG): Cooper was also known for his passing ability, contributing about 4.5 assists per game.
Steals: Cooper was an outstanding defender even in college, and his ability to guard multiple positions made him a standout player.
NBA Career Stats (Los Angeles Lakers, 1978–1990)
Michael Cooper had an outstanding 12-season NBA career, all with the Los Angeles Lakers. Here are his key NBA career stats:

Points per Game (PPG): 8.9
Rebounds per Game (RPG): 3.4
Assists per Game (APG): 2.4
Steals per Game (SPG): 1.5
Blocks per Game (BPG): 0.5
Field Goal Percentage: 46.7%
Three-Point Percentage: 33.2% (Cooper was an early adopter of the three-point shot during his career.)
Free Throw Percentage: 73.3%
Key Achievements in the NBA:
5x NBA Champion (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987, 1988)
NBA Defensive Player of the Year (1987)
All-Defensive First Team (1987, 1988, 1989)
All-Defensive Second Team (1983, 1984, 1986)
NBA All-Star (1987)
Important Role in “Showtime” Lakers: Cooper was known for his defense, versatility, and ability to guard opposing stars, and he played a crucial role in the Lakers’ “Showtime” era alongside Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar.
Coaching Career:
WNBA Coaching: After retiring from playing, Cooper transitioned to coaching. He was the head coach of the Los Angeles Sparks in the WNBA, where he led the team to two WNBA championships in 2001 and 2002.
NBA Coaching: Cooper also served as an assistant coach in the NBA, including a brief stint as interim head coach for the Denver Nuggets in 2004-2005.
College Coaching: He coached at the collegiate level and was also involved in coaching at various points, further extending his influence on the game.
Hall of Fame Induction:
2024 Hall of Fame: Michael Cooper was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2024, recognizing his tremendous impact on the sport as both a player and coach.

Legacy:
Michael Cooper’s career is highlighted by his defensive excellence and leadership both on the court and as a coach. He is regarded as one of the best defenders in NBA history and played a critical role in the Lakers’ success during the 1980s. His contributions to basketball were celebrated with his 2024 Hall of Fame induction, cementing his legacy as a key figure in the sport