Mill Rats to Retire David Cooper's #7
November 25, 2011 - National Basketball League of Canada (NBL Canada)
Saint John Riptide News Release
(Saint John, NB): The Saint John Mill Rats have are planning to retire David Cooper's #7 jersey in honour of his longstanding commitment to the organization on and off the court.
Cooper, a high flying 6'8 power forward, began his college career at Southern New Hampshire University before transferring to Division I James Madison. At JMU, he posted career highs of 8.9 points, 5.7 rebounds, and 1 block per game.
After college, he joined the ownership group that brought professional basketball to his hometown in Manchester, New Hampshire. In the inaugural season-of-then Millrats (2007-2008), Cooper averaged 7.4 points and 5.2 rebounds on a sizzling 60% from the field, leading the Mill Rats to the league semi-finals.
He was also a member of the U.S. Virgin Islands National Team, playing in 2006 and 2009.
Since moving to Saint John in 2010, Cooper has been an active member in the community, visiting schools, organizations and clubs, delivering a positive message about staying in school and pursuing your dreams. He was instrumental in the team's process to relocate to Saint John and was one of the most recognizable players on the team last season.
With the birth of the National Basketball of Canada and a new a new season just underway Cooper will be taking on yet another role within the franchise - Assistant Coach. "This was a huge decision for me and holds a significant meaning for both my basketball career and my future,'' Cooper said "I had to leave the court since I had been dealing with several knee injuries going back to my college days. I had been thinking about my future and although I might be ending my career as a player, I am excited about the future of this new league and being part of the Mill Rats in a different role. One door is closing but another one is opening. Although you may catch me playing again someday - never say never!''
Join us at the Mill Rat's December 2nd game as we celebrate Cooper's retirement by retiring his #7 jersey. The Mill Rats, who are currently 4-4, will be playing the Halifax Rainmen who are 3-2 in the National Basketball League of Canada conference standings. Tickets to the game can be purchased at the Harbour station box office or by visiting www.millratsbasketball.ca.
Mill Rats single game and flex tickets are now on sale at the Harbour Station box office 657-1234 or the Mill Rats office 214-4454. The Mill Rats next home game is against the Summerside Storm on November 30th at Harbour Station. The following evening, December 1st, the Mill Rats will take on the Oshawa Power.
National Basketball League of Canada Stories from November 25, 2011
- Summerside Storm Wins in First Meeting with Oshawa Power - Summerside Storm
- Power Lose 119-97 to the Summerside Storm - Mississauga Power
- Mill Rats to Retire David Cooper's #7 - Saint John Riptide
- Head Coach Norris Bell Returns Home for Personal Reasons - Moncton Miracles
- Moncton Miracles Announce Fundraiser with United Way - Moncton Miracles
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