Cooper Jones 6'3 165 2022 Walsingham Academy, Williamsburg VA / Virginia Venom AAU
A year ago I suggested Cooper Jones was among the best pure shooters in the 757, I am now convinced he is not only one of the most skilled shooters but is among the best scorers in the talent-laden area code. Cooper's mechanics are solid and repeatable, disciplined, textbook. He is fundamentally sound from his outstanding footwork and shot preparation, the way he squares to the rim, the lift he gets on the jumper, his quick release, and high follow-through. Just outstanding and consistent, the product of obvious hours of dedication to his craft and a lot of jumpers in the practice gym.
From his off-ball movement to his shot preparation and through his release watching Cooper Jones shoot the basketball is like watching a shooting clinic video! What has impressed me most and inspired my total validation is how versatile a shooter he has become. More than a catch-and-shoot guy, Cooper can knock down shots coming off screens, cuts, dribble pull-ups, and hits each at a very high percentage. His length at 6'3 with long arms coupled with his quick release makes contesting so difficult. He uses step-backs effectively and his dribble pull-ups are lightning quick. Cooper is masterful at using screens, reading defenders, and using various cuts to get open. He's always in motion and always catches the ball shot ready.
Cooper can also use quick rips and rangy strides to attack space. He can beat defenders and get to the rim or get to his spots and hit the pullup at a high clip. Very confident scorer, wants the game in his hands and has the ability to carry his teams for long stretches. Cooper is also a very good passer and makes defenses pay when they double him. Really a high IQ passer, great recognition, and ability to deliver timely and accurate passes. He defends either wing capably and brings a solid effort to the defensive end despite how hard he works on the offensive end. Cooper has a scrappy competitiveness to him. Don't be fooled by his wiry frame as he can endure contact and finish a play and on the defensive end he doesn't mind battling inside for rebounds or playing physical on-ball defense.
Cooper seems indefensible at times hitting contested jumpers or burying three-pointer after three-pointer and single-handedly changing momentum in a game or shutting the door on opponents. He has time and time wore out the other team’s best defenders and thwarted his opponent’s best defensive schemes with his elite-level shot-making ability. As solid as his shot-making skills are, as intelligent and poised an offensive player as he is, as effortless as he makes scoring look, I don't see any reason why he won't have a great deal of success at the collegiate level. He is a must-see prospect!
