For the second time this year, we were able to watch Carson Cooper take the court wearing a Memphis Grizzlies uniform. While it still hits hard not seeing him in the green and white of Michigan State, his success brings nothing but happiness to Spartans fans across the nation.
Monday night, Spartans fans were in for a treat as the two most recent Michigan State players to enter the NBA, Carson Cooper and Jaxon Kohler, squared off against each other.
Mere months after spending almost every day together for four years, the two big men who helped lead Michigan State to so much success and countless memories were now pitted against one another. Each fought tooth and nail to showcase everything they have to their respective NBA organizations—and to everyone watching—that they belong at the next level.
Kohler was making his Summer League debut, while Cooper was returning for his second game. Just seeing the two former teammates guarding each other was incredibly fun and already nostalgic, bringing back memories of the battles they had during Michigan State practices. Only this time, they were competing for different organizations. Even so, you could still tell the love and respect between them remained, despite both giving everything they had to outplay the other.
Cooper flourished in his Summer League debut, finishing with 11 points while throwing down a couple of nasty dunks that immediately started turning heads.
Now, after Game 2, even more heads are turning. Those already paying attention are watching even closer. Cooper continues to show off his size, athleticism, and physicality every time he steps onto the floor.
He must have learned a thing or two from former Michigan State dunk champion Coen Carr because Cooper delivered another thunderous alley-oop that seemingly shook the entire arena. It was unbelievable to watch someone his size soar through the air with that kind of explosiveness.
Cooper ultimately logged 24 minutes and added another 10 points to his Summer League stat sheet. While his highlight-reel dunks have helped him go viral and generate buzz, it's his ability to knock down shots when his team needs them that continues to impress. He finished 3-for-5 from the field and did not attempt a three-pointer.
He also grabbed another six rebounds, once again displaying his ability to outmuscle opponents, fight for position, and control the glass.
Through two Summer League games, Cooper has put together an impressive start that is beginning to catch the attention of Grizzlies fans. It should come as no surprise to Michigan State fans.
Cooper truly grew into himself during his four-year stay in East Lansing. He developed into a dependable presence on the court and has always carried himself as a true competitor who simply wants to play basketball at the highest level possible.
Spartan Nation is firmly behind both Cooper and Kohler, but watching them face each other just a few games into NBA Summer League was bittersweet. In one way, it serves as another reminder that we likely won't see them suit up together in East Lansing again—although college athletics has certainly surprised us before. At the same time, it was surreal and exciting to watch two close friends begin the next chapter of their basketball careers while competing against each other on one of the sport's biggest stages.
Cooper will have to continue putting together performances like these if he wants a legitimate chance to earn a roster spot. However, if his first two Summer League games are any indication, he's taking all the right steps and proving he belongs in the conversation.
