Los Angeles Sparks head coach and former Los Angeles Lakers great Michael Cooper has been named head coach of the USC women's basketball team, USC athletic director Mike Garrett announced today.
Cooper's tenure at USC will be effective at the conclusion of the Sparks' season in late September or early October. In the meantime, Ervin Monier, a long-time assistant, will oversee the program as associate head coach.
"We are absolutely thrilled to hire a coach of Michael Cooper's caliber," Garrett said in a release. "This is an exciting time for Women of Troy basketball. Between Michael's coaching experience and his playing background, he brings so much to the table. He has coached and played at the highest level and with the greatest players in the world. He'll be an excellent in-game coach, he'll do a great job preparing his teams and he'll wow the recruits."
Cooper, who has a nine-year history as the Sparks' head coach, will be making his debut in college coaching at USC.
"I'm very honored to have this opportunity to coach at a great university with such a rich tradition in women's basketball," Cooper said. "My philosophy has always been about winning championships, and at USC we want to do that as well as graduate our players and make sure they enjoy their basketball experience. I'm looking forward to working in a collegiate atmosphere and all that comes with it.
"But for the next few months, it's important to understand that my focus and commitment will be with the Los Angeles Sparks and winning a championship. I'm excited about the Sparks' upcoming season and I am totally devoted to them right now. After that, I'll switch gears and be equally excited about USC."
Cooper's tenure at USC will be effective at the conclusion of the Sparks' season in late September or early October. In the meantime, Ervin Monier, a long-time assistant, will oversee the program as associate head coach.
"We are absolutely thrilled to hire a coach of Michael Cooper's caliber," Garrett said in a release. "This is an exciting time for Women of Troy basketball. Between Michael's coaching experience and his playing background, he brings so much to the table. He has coached and played at the highest level and with the greatest players in the world. He'll be an excellent in-game coach, he'll do a great job preparing his teams and he'll wow the recruits."
Cooper, who has a nine-year history as the Sparks' head coach, will be making his debut in college coaching at USC.
"I'm very honored to have this opportunity to coach at a great university with such a rich tradition in women's basketball," Cooper said. "My philosophy has always been about winning championships, and at USC we want to do that as well as graduate our players and make sure they enjoy their basketball experience. I'm looking forward to working in a collegiate atmosphere and all that comes with it.
"But for the next few months, it's important to understand that my focus and commitment will be with the Los Angeles Sparks and winning a championship. I'm excited about the Sparks' upcoming season and I am totally devoted to them right now. After that, I'll switch gears and be equally excited about USC."
I'm very proud of my cousin,usc will be getting a very special experiment working with michael.His dedication and devotion will leave a lasting impression on all who are fortunate to encounter his presences. God Bless & Good Luck.
I, too, am proud of my cousin. Your family in Memphis and Chicago 3is all proud of you.