Lincoln – Nebraska Men’s Basketball Coach Fred Hoiberg announced Friday that Air Force transfer Will Cooper has signed with the Nebraska men’s basketball program. Cooper, a 6-foot-6, 210-pound wing from Omaha, returns to his home state after playing at the Air Force Academy last season. He played in 21 games for the Falcons last season as a true freshman.
“We were familiar with Will as he was in our camps in high school and he has a lot of potential,” Hoiberg said. “He can space the floor with his shooting and has good size on the wing. Will took advantage of his opportunities at Air Force late in the season and played at a high level for a freshman in a very good conference. As we have built our culture over the last three seasons, we have been fortunate to add transfers such as Sam Griesel and Josiah Allick who understand what it means to play back home and play for Nebraska, and I know that Will is excited to represent the Huskers.”
Cooper came off the bench for Air Force last season, averaging 5.3 points and 1.8 rebounds per game in 15.1 minutes per game. Cooper saw the majority of his action during Mountain West Conference action, where he averaged 6.2 ppg while shooting 48 percent from the field, 46 percent from 3-point range and 83 percent from the line. Over his final six contests, he averaged 11.8 ppg on 52 percent shooting, including 14-30 from 3-point range, for the Falcons. He totaled four games in double figures, highlighted by a 21-point effort, where he connected a career-high six 3-pointers, in a win over Fresno State. He also posted double-figure games against Utah State, New Mexico and San Jose State. In the performances against Utah State and New Mexico, he went a combined 7-of-9 from 3-point range.
Cooper played at Millard South High School for Coach Tim Leuschen for four seasons. He averaged 16.2 ppg and 7.2 rpg as a senior but played just five games because of an injury and just eight games as a junior. During his sophomore season, he averaged 10.7 ppg, while hitting 53 3-pointers and was a 39 percent shooter as a freshman, helping Millard South advance to the 2021 Class A State Tournament.
