John Cooper

Biography

Features (click on headline for link) A New - But Familiar - Opportunity for Cooper (K-State Sports Extra, April 20, 2026) Veteran coach John Cooper is in his first season as an assistant coach at Kansas State in 2026-27 after being hired by head coach Casey Alexander on April 10. “This is really an exciting time for me and understanding the great tradition that Wildcat basketball has had throughout the years,” said Cooper. “Being a Big Eight fan growing up, this really is a full circle moment in many ways for me, being from right down the road in Kansas City. I have been fortunate enough to work with and be around several past K-State players like Tim Jankovich and Lon Kruger, so I know what those guys mean to the Wildcat family. I’m really, really excited to be part of this, and hopefully many, many more good years to come. I know we are working hard to put a product on the floor that everyone will be proud of and really, really excited to watch.” Cooper joins the staff after three seasons (2022-25) as an assistant coach to Kevin Kruger (son of Lon Kruger) at UNLV, where he helped the Runnin’ Rebels to 58 wins, including 30 in Mountain West Conference play, and the school’s first postseason appearance in 11 years. Cooper helped the Rebels to their highest win total (21) in 11 years in 2023-24, as the squad won 21 games, finished fourth in the MWC and advanced to the NIT quarterfinals with wins over Princeton and Boston College. The Rebels’ 84-77 win over Princeton was the f