Back in 2022, Carson Cooper joined Michigan State basketball as an unranked prospect out of IMG Academy. Now, he’s an NBA player. While Cooper wasn’t selected in the 2026 NBA Draft, he was quickly snatched up by the Memphis Grizzlies, who have agreed to terms with Cooper to a two-way NBA contract.
The two-way deal will allow Cooper to play for both the Memphis Grizzlies and their G-League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle. The 6-foot-11 Cooper slowly evolved himself into one of the best centers in the Big Ten, where he averaged 11.1 points and 7.1 rebounds per game for the Spartans while playing extremely solid defense and protecting the rim. He also flashed some nice athleticism in the pick-and-roll, becoming one of Jeremy Fears’ favorite lob targets (alongside Coen Carr, of course).
Memphis has shown a penchant for Michigan State bigs in the past, with Jaren Jackson Jr., Xavier Tillman Sr., and Deyonta Davis all suiting up for the Grizzlies in their careers. Now, Cooper will follow suit.
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This article originally appeared on Spartans Wire: Former MSU big Carson Cooper lands two-way deal with the Grizzlies
Reporting by Spartans Wire / Spartans Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Spartans Wire | USA TODAY Network
