NCAA Basketball: Analyzing top 10 teams for top-50 wing Kaden Cooper

Kansas State Wildcats

New head coach Jerome Tang has built-in respect as a developer during his time as an assistant at Baylor, with numerous guards as an example. He’s looking to do the same at Kansas State in a complete rebuilding job and a roster in desperate need of talent.

Cooper probably would start and have a big role on the Wildcats’ roster if he picks them and could play on a big stage in the Big 12 Conference. He would join recent four-star guard commit Darrin Ames. The playing time would be plentiful here but the odds of making the NCAA Tournament in his first couple of years would be very low.

LSU Tigers

New head coach Matt McMahon has done a quality job rebuilding the roster, landing multiple quality transfers and a couple of key freshmen as well. One of them is Tyrell Ward, a four-star small forward prospect and someone that could very well start as a freshman. His presence could hinder Cooper’s path to playing time unless he plays some at shooting guard, although Justice Williams likely has that spot for a while too.

The new era for LSU Basketball is in solid shape but the program still hasn’t gotten punished by the NCAA for alleged recruiting violations that occurred during the Will Wade era. So Cooper may be joining a program under sanctions but playing in the SEC is very appealing and if Ward isn’t around for long, could have open room for the prospect.