Carson Cooper

Carson Cooper is an American professional basketball player under a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA and their G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle. Known for his defensive instincts and rebounding, Cooper stands 6-foot-11 and plays as a center. He played college basketball for Michigan State University, where he developed from a reserve into a starting frontcourt presence. As of 2026, he is in his rookie season, working to establish himself in the NBA. Born on April 9, 2004, he is 6-foot-11 and weighs 230 pounds. He is currently developing with the Memphis Hustle while making occasional appearances for the Grizzlies.[edit]

Carson Cooper grew up in Jackson, Michigan, in a family steeped in athletics. His mother, Shantel Cooper, played college basketball at the University of Detroit Mercy, and his father, Howard Cooper, played football at Bowling Green State University. His older brother, Chase, also played college basketball at Western Michigan University. This athletic lineage pushed Cooper toward basketball from an early age.

He attended Jackson High School before transferring to IMG Academy in Bradenton, Florida for his senior year. At IMG, he shared the court with future NBA players Jalen Duren and Jarace Walker, which sharpened his skills and exposed him to elite competition. Rated a three-star recruit and the No. 29 center nationally in the 2022 class, he committed to Michigan State over offers from Iowa, USC, and others, drawn by the program's player development and culture. A pivotal decision came when he reclassified from the 2023 class to 2022, allowing him to start college a year earlier. He studied in the College of Communication Arts and Sciences at Michigan State.[edit]

Cooper enrolled at Michigan State in 2022. As a freshman, he appeared in 28 games, averaging 1.3 points and 1.2 rebounds in 5.7 minutes per game, shooting 53.3% from the field. His season-high was 6 points against Nebraska. His role expanded dramatically as a sophomore: he played in 35 games, starting 20, and averaged 4.0 points, 4.5 rebounds, and 0.9 blocks in 17.1 minutes per game, shooting 62.5% from the field. He recorded his first career double-double (10 points, 11 rebounds) against Butler and posted a season-high 12 points against Baylor. His defensive presence helped Michigan State reach the NCAA Tournament.

As a junior in 2024-2025, he averaged 4.7 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks while shooting 63.9% from the field. His best game came against Illinois with 10 points and 10 rebounds. The Spartans finished 27-7 and earned a 2-seed in the NCAA Tournament. In April 2025, Cooper declared for the NBA Draft, forgoing his remaining eligibility. He went undrafted in June 2025 but signed a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies in July, allowing him to split time between the Grizzlies and the Memphis Hustle. His rookie season is underway as of 2026. He has not yet recorded any major NBA statistical breakthroughs.[edit]

Cooper is portrayed by media as a hard-working, developmental big with potential to become a reliable NBA role player. His game is not flashy; he is known for defense, shot-blocking, and rebounding. On social media, he maintains a low-key presence; his X account posts infrequently and his Instagram is private. He does not yet have a large, established fandom; he is primarily followed by Michigan State alumni and Grizzlies fans tracking prospect development. His X account (@carsoncooper11) has about 1,500 followers. His signature style is that of a traditional, defensive-minded big man.[edit]

Carson Cooper's global profile remains modest, with his name recognition largely confined to college basketball enthusiasts and followers of the Memphis Grizzlies. According to iFANN's Global Fame Engine, as of August 2026, he is an evaluated but unranked figure, holding no placement in either the Global Top 1,000 or any Top-100 scope list. This reflects a career still in its nascent stage, with media coverage and public attention centered on his developmental trajectory rather than widespread celebrity.

His fanbase, while not formally named, is deeply rooted in the Michigan State Spartans community, where he is affectionately regarded as a 'glue guy' for his unglamorous contributions on the court. Spartan Nation, the broader MSU fanbase, has tracked his journey from college reserve to NBA signee, celebrating milestones such as his Summer League performances. However, there are no documented fan campaigns, organized projects, or distinct rituals specific to him; his following remains organic and decentralized.[edit]

Carson Cooper wore jersey number 15 at Michigan State. At 6-foot-11, he is one of the tallest players on the Memphis Grizzlies roster. He is currently 22 years old as of 2026. He has not won any major awards or honors during his college or professional career, nor has he appeared on any magazine covers or significant rankings. His net worth is not publicly estimated by major sites, but his two-way contract is worth approximately $578,577 for the 2025-2026 season. He has no publicly disclosed endorsement deals, business ventures, or real estate holdings.

A defining moment in his early career came in July 2026, when he delivered a standout performance in the NBA Summer League championship game against the Golden State Warriors, a game the Grizzlies ultimately lost. Despite the loss, his 'stellar' play was widely covered by national and MSU-centric media, marking a coming-out party for the rookie. Another memorable highlight is a 'powerful flush' dunk from his college days, a play that ESPN highlighted and that fans still reference as a reflection of his athleticism.[edit]

Cooper's mother, Shantel Cooper, played college basketball at the University of Detroit Mercy. His father, Howard Cooper, played college football at Bowling Green State University. His older brother, Chase Cooper, played college basketball at Western Michigan University. The family's athletic background heavily influenced his development. As of 2026, Cooper has not publicly shared details about his own household, spouse, or children.[edit]

At Michigan State, Cooper played under head coach Tom Izzo and alongside teammates Tyson Walker, A.J. Hoggard, and Malik Hall. Professionally, he shares the court with Ja Morant and Jaren Jackson Jr. on the Memphis Grizzlies, coached by Taylor Jenkins.[edit]

There is no publicly reported or credible information regarding Carson Cooper's dating history or relationships. As a young, recently graduated college athlete now in his rookie NBA season, his personal romantic life has not been covered by mainstream media. As of 2026, his relationship status is unknown; he is presumed to be single and focused on his professional basketball career.[edit]

As of 2026, iFANN currently estimates Carson Cooper's net worth at approximately $600,000. His primary income source is his two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies, worth about $578,577 for the 2025-2026 season. He has no publicly disclosed endorsement deals, business ventures, or real estate holdings. Given his rookie status, his wealth is almost entirely derived from his basketball salary. Based on available data, his net worth is between $500,000 and $600,000 as of early 2026.[edit]