LUKE COOPER
Growing up in the leafy Suburb of Eltham, is so far removed from the life in Anchorage Alaska, that rarely would you ever find a connection. If Australia is known as “Down Under” then surely Alaska could be known as “Up Over”. One a small outer suburban area, where the temperature never really gets below 0 in the winter and certainly never snows, (Well, once when I was in Prep!)
Yet over the past few years the gap between the countries and cultures at opposite ends of the world, has been bridged. Through basketball in fact! And in particular Luke Cooper, a life long member of the juggernaut that is the Eltham Wildcats Basketball Club, who has taken the lessons he learnt growing up in our world, across the globe to the far reaches of North America.
Alaska, known for it's isolation and cold temperatures, evokes in peoples minds igloos, hunting, and snow. But basketball?
Well he must be doing something right, as at the time of the interview Luke informed me he had been contacted and made aware of his inclusion in the Australian University Games team, and will be competing in the World Games in Bangkok this August.
Below are Luke's responses to my questions, sent via email to the States, regarding College life, Basketball, the Wildcats and Eskimos! (not really)
How old were you when you first became involved with the Wildcats?
I was 7 years of age.
Who was your biggest basketball influence growing up?
Definitely my parents.
Why?
They drove me to all of my games and were there to support me as I was growing up, whether it be through their financial support or just being there to support me. They are the reason I am here today.
Biggest influence from the Wildcats?
Peter Thompson. He coached me in under 14's and he taught me how to
compete and stay disciplined. Although some of the things he said back then
seemed stupid to me, when I look back I realise that he actually knew what he
is talking about, he is a great coach and a great guy.
Favourite Wildcats related memory?
I would say The Australia Day tournament and the friends that I have
made. The Australia Day Tournament was the most enjoyable weekend of my year
back then. Playing in the heat and being able to play against the best teams
in Australia was unbelievable and definitely something that should not be
taken for granted. I still stay in contact with guys I used to play with in
under 12's, so if not for playing basketball for Eltham then this would not
be possible.
Was college basketball always a dream? When did you know it could be a
possibility?
I don’t think it was ever a dream but always a possibility. After seeing
so many Australian players going over to play college I thought this would
be the only way I could take the next step and further my basketball
career and I feel I am on my way to doing this.
Have you encountered home sickness? How do you keep in touch with home
and Australia in general?
My first year in Alaska was the hardest of my life. It was the first
time I had ever been overseas and I was away for 8 months. To be across the
other side of the world from my family and friends and not really knowing
anyone at the start was really tough, but as I became familiar with my new
home and got to know my teammates and people in general I felt a lot more
comfortable. My freshman year (1st year) I talked to my parents 4 times a week, now
I talk to them once a week.
How have you overcome/enjoyed the crowds/attention college basketball
attracts?
It is definitely a lot different than playing Under 18's at Eltham High.
We played the University of Nevada this past season and there was 9,000
people there which made me check myself. The atmosphere was unbelievable and made
me realise how lucky I am to have the opportunity to play college basketball.
How do you handle training and doing school work? What are you studying
outside of playbooks?
It’s definitely hard to juggle my schoolwork and basketball especially
because if my grades are not up to standard then I am ineligible to
play. My time management skills have improved immensely over the past 3 years
and I have become a lot smarter and mature in establishing my priorities.
Hopefully once I have finished playing basketball over here I will have a degree
in Physical Education which will allow me to either teach back in Australia or
start coaching over here.
How did this particular school find you? (Any past Aussies that have been
there?)
I am actually the first Australian who has played at our school. After
realising college basketball was the thing for me I made a video tape
of myself playing ABA and sent it to a couple of colleges over here and
fortunately my coach liked what he saw and it was a long process from
there.
What are your plans after College? Basketball wise and other?
After my first month in Alaska I came to realise that I probably could
not live here. The climate is just not for me and I am way to far away from
my family. I am hoping that my basketball skills develop enough to be able
to come back and play in the NBL if not then I know Eltham ABA is always
there as there is no way that you will ever see me in any other colors than
the black and red.
What is the best advice you were ever given regarding basketball and/or
life?
"The harder you work the luckier you get". This advice is absolutely
true and I have seen evidence of this both over here and also back home. If
you put in the hours to become a great player there is no doubt you will be
rewarded. Success is an uncomfortable state and although it might not
feel worth it at the time, you will look back and be thankful that you put
the work in to achieve your goals.
Our school website is www.goseawolves.com. Although I have copied some
information about the year that I have just had and posted it below. I
also got a call yesterday and I have made the Australian University Games
team to play in the World Games in Bangkok in August.
Luke also has earned more accolades during his College career than there is space to include here. If you would like to learn more about the College that Luke attends or the impact that his play has had on their School and League visit the team website, www.goseawolves.com , or if you would like to contact myself or Luke regarding any of this information, write to;
Ryan Mobilia at
ryanmobilia@yahoo.com.au
Posts
