COOPER HACKETT
Even though his immediate future is cemented in football, Fort Gibson junior Cooper Hackett has a special place in his heart for basketball.
“Basketball was the first sport I played and my whole family has played. I still hear stories of how my grandpa used to dunk the ball playing here at Fort Gibson. I love the game and I love playing with my teammates. There’s a special meaning this year because it will be my last chance to win a basketball state championship at Fort Gibson.”
Last summer when VYPE spoke with the 6-8, 280-pound offensive lineman, he was in midst of making college visits around the nation to see where he would play. After initially committing to Texas Tech, Hackett changed his commitment to OU in October.
“After I committed to Tech, I went to three OU football games and every time I went it just felt more and more like home. I just felt a strong connection with the players and coach (Brent) Venables. I know it’s a place I can develop and succeed and maybe win a national championship.”
Tiger basketball coach Todd Dickerson says Hackett has been a joy to coach.
“Cooper’s size and strength make him a very rare commodity in the high school game, and he’s gotten better and better every year especially in his ability to finish around the basketball. He’s very coachable. You can get on his rear and he’ll just say ‘yes, sir’ and learn from it which sets a great example for the rest of the team.”
Cooper has several fond basketball memories from his time so far as a Tiger.
“I remember a game last year against East Central where they had a guy that was 6-9 and I did pretty well against him. I’ve scored over 30 points a few times and I’ll always remember some of our great conference rivalries like Catoosa and big Cole Leach and Hilldale.”
The Tigers made it to the state tournament last year and return all of their starters from that team. Hackett feels that will help them make it back this year as the regular season winds down with the Tigers ranked third in the state.
“Last year when we went to state we didn’t have anybody that had ever been to the state tournament and if we make it this year, everyone on the team has been through that so we know what to expect.”
