In a significant development for the Tennessee Lady Volunteers basketball program, sophomore guard Talaysia Cooper has been named to the Jersey Mike’s Naismith Trophy Midseason Watch List, recognizing her as one of the top players in women’s college basketball.

Cooper’s journey to this point has been marked by determination and impressive performances. After transferring from the University of South Carolina, where she appeared in 24 games as a freshman, Cooper made an immediate impact upon joining the Lady Vols. In her debut against Samford, she recorded 19 points, seven steals, five rebounds, five assists, and two blocks, showcasing her versatility and skill. citeturn0search0
Throughout the season, Cooper has continued to excel, achieving several notable milestones:
- Career-High Performance: Against Liberty, she scored a career-high 33 points, hitting 12 of 20 field goals, converting all seven free throws, and adding nine rebounds, three assists, and two steals.
- Consistent Scoring: She notched four consecutive games with over 20 points, including 23 points against No. 17/20 Iowa and 22 points against Florida State.
- First Double-Double: Cooper registered her first career double-double with 18 points and 10 rebounds against Middle Tennessee State University.
These performances have not only solidified her position as a key player for Tennessee but have also garnered national attention, leading to her inclusion on the Naismith Trophy Midseason Watch List. This recognition places her among the elite players in the nation and highlights her contributions to the team’s success.
While there has been no official announcement regarding Cooper taking over as the new captain of the Lady Vols, her leadership on the court is evident. Her consistent performances and ability to deliver in crucial moments have made her a cornerstone of the team’s strategy under head coach Kim Caldwell.
As the season progresses, Cooper’s role will be pivotal as the Lady Vols aim to build on their recent successes, including a notable victory over the UConn Huskies. Her recognition on the Naismith Trophy Midseason Watch List is a testament to her hard work and the bright future ahead for both her and the Tennessee women’s basketball program.
For more insights into Cooper’s decision to join the Tennessee Volunteers, you can watch the following video:
videoTalaysia Cooper Chooses the Tennessee Volunteersturn0search2
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