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NJIT Basketball: In-depth look at junior Highlanders guard Zach Cooks

By Bryan Mauro

MORGANTOWN, WV - NOVEMBER 30: Abdul Lewis #0 of the N.J.I.T Highlanders drives to the basket against the West Virginia Mountaineers at the WVU Coliseum on November 30, 2017 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
MORGANTOWN, WV - NOVEMBER 30: Abdul Lewis #0 of the N.J.I.T Highlanders drives to the basket against the West Virginia Mountaineers at the WVU Coliseum on November 30, 2017 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
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MORGANTOWN, WV – NOVEMBER 30: Diandre Wilson #15 of the N.J.I.T Highlanders drives to the rim against Jevon Carter #2 and Daxter Miles Jr. #4 of the West Virginia Mountaineers at the WVU Coliseum on November 30, 2017 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
MORGANTOWN, WV – NOVEMBER 30: Diandre Wilson #15 of the N.J.I.T Highlanders drives to the rim against Jevon Carter #2 and Daxter Miles Jr. #4 of the West Virginia Mountaineers at the WVU Coliseum on November 30, 2017 in Morgantown, West Virginia. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /

NJIT Basketball was made famous when they were able to beat the Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor.  With the help of junior guard Zach Cooks they could be on the verge of their first NCAA tournament appearance.

Newark, New Jersey is the home of one of the upstart mid major programs in the country. The New Jersey Institute of Technology or NJIT. The Highlanders have been a member of Division 1 since the 2010 season when they were a member of the now defunct Great West Conference. All fans remember NJIT as the school who upset Michigan in Ann Arbor, that game goes down as one of the biggest upsets ever. The last four seasons NJIT Basketball has been a member of the ASun and last year winning 22 games was the best season the small school has had in their short time in Division 1 basketball.

The Highlanders have one of the nations best unknown players. Junior guard Zach Cooks is one of the best players in the ASun and a trendy pick for the conference player of the year. The guard headlines a roster that returns a good amount of scoring. Head coach Brian Kennedy has the Highlanders in a position to compete for the ASun crown this season and have a shot at grabbing their first NCAA tournament bid.

NJIT finished the season with an appearance in the CIT tournament. The Highlanders have the confidence and a roster built for a long run this season. After the school beat Michigan, no power five school is going to take them lightly, and while the Highlanders may not win the game they will give most teams a fight every night. How far can Cooks lead his team this year? Time will tell, but all signs point to good things for the Highlanders.

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