Nov. 2, 2012
Former Old Dominion University forward Chris Cooper ('12) has been selected in the second round of The NBA Developmental League by the Bakersfield Jam (31st overall selection) during the draft held Friday night.
Cooper (Dumfries, VA.) completed his career at ODU last season as part of the winningest senior class in school history (101 wins). Cooper was named second team All-CAA and NABC All-District last year and He was the first Monarch to average a double-double since Cal Bowdler in 1999. Cooper averaged 10.5 points and 10.1 rebounds per game. He ranked 20th nationally in rebounding and 13th nationallyIn double-doubles. Cooper hauled down a career high 22 rebounds against JMU. He also scored a career high 21 points against Richmond and 17 points against national champion Kentucky. Cooper graduated in with a degree in sports management.
The Jam is coached by Will Voight who is in his fourth season. The Jam have NBA affiliations with the Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers, Phoenix Suns and Toronto Raptors.
The NBA Development League, founded in 2001, is the NBA's official minor league. Featuring 16 teams with direct affiliations to NBA franchises, the NBA D-League is a proven developer of talent: 27 percent of players in the NBA at the conclusion of the 2011-12 season boasted NBA D-League experience, and the league continues to develop coaches, referees, and front-office staff for the NBA and its teams. In fostering the league's connection to the community, its teams, players and staff promote health and wellness, support local needs and interests, and assist in educational development through NBA D-League Cares programs. The NBA D-League also advances the game of basketball as the research and development arm of the NBA.
The NBA D-League season is made up of 50 regular-season games plus a postseason and runs from November to April. The league consisted of 16 teams during the 2011-12 season: Austin Toros, Bakersfield Jam, Canton Charge, Erie BayHawks, Fort Wayne Mad Ants, Idaho Stampede, Iowa Energy, Los Angeles D-Fenders, Maine Red Claws, Reno Bighorns, Rio Grande Valley Vipers, Sioux Falls Skyforce, Santa Cruz Warriors, Springfield Armor, Texas Legends and Tulsa 66ers.