Cooper attended the University of Duquesne, where he was a two-time All-American and was named the school's first African American All-American. He was also a member of the school's first NIT championship team in 1955.
After college, Cooper was drafted by the Boston Celtics in 1950, making him the first African American to be drafted into the NBA. He played for the Celtics from 1950-1956 and was a key contributor to the team's success. He was a two-time All-Star and was named to the All-NBA Second Team in 1954.
Cooper was also a member of the Harlem Globetrotters from 1956-1958. He was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame in 2019.
Cooper was a pioneer in the NBA and a trailblazer for African American players. He was a talented player who made a lasting impact on the game of basketball. His legacy will continue to live on for generations to come.
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