Raider Feature: Cooper Land
11/19/2010 12:00:00 PM | Men's Basketball
Nov. 19, 2010
By Ryan Hehr
When people ask senior basketball player Cooper Land where he gets his competitive nature from, many expect him to say his father, Bill. As the play-by-play announcer for the NBA's San Antonio Spurs, many believe it's a safe bet that Cooper's love for the game of basketball came from him.
Much to their surprise, Cooper always says it's his mother, Gayle, where he gets his competitiveness from.
"My mom is probably the most competitive person I have ever met. That's nothing against Coach Donlon, but she's intense," said Land. "If I wouldn't have had that type of upbringing, I probably wouldn't have worked as hard as had and wouldn't be where I am now.
"I think that is one of the big reasons why I came to Wright State," Cooper went on to say. "We play in an arena big enough to drown my mom out."
That competitive nature will be put to the test this season.
Before Land picked up a basketball to prepare for the 2010-2011 basketball season, he knew there was going to be press on him to perform well.
As a senior, Land is one of just four returners for the Raiders this. Being familiar with the program and with the coaching staff, Head Coach Billy Donlon is expecting big things from the 6-foot-8 senior.
Just hearing that his coach has confidence in his playing ability is enough to make Land beam with pride.
"It's really good to hear the head coach is counting on you because you always work hard for that responsibility," Land said. "I'm really excited for the opportunity to play a bigger role on the team this year."
Last season, Land was a pivotal player who came off the bench. On more than one occasion, Land hit a key shot late in a game to help Wright State sew up a victory.
All that came to an end when he tore is ACL in practice last February.
Now that he is back at full health, Land is hopeful that his past experiences will help propel him to be the player his coach believes he can be.
"Although I'm a senior I haven't started that many games, but I have a lot of experience playing at this level, so I'm hoping that plays a role," said Land.
When asked what he is looking forward to the most, Land did say that he was going to cherish his senior season, or look forward to playing Butler one last time. He said he is just glad he recovered from his injury and can still play.
"I'm just looking forward to getting back on the court. I got hurt and that's been a long process to get over that and be healthy," said Land. "Just being back on the court is enough to make me happy."
