USC transfer Talaysia Cooper already making impact for Tennessee, Vols coach says
Tennessee coach Kellie Harper praised former Gamecock and current Volunteer Talaysia Cooper at the 2023 SEC Media Days event.
“Already she made an impact on our team when we have her on our team and also when we put her with out scout team,” Harper said. “She’s super hard to guard. And she’s been a menace on the defensive end. So when it is time for her to be able to play, we’re really looking forward to that.”
Cooper announced her decision to transfer to Tennessee in August after the transfer window closed, so she will not be eligible to play for the Vols until the 2024-25 season. The 6-foot guard was the No. 18 overall recruit and No. 4 player at her position in the class of 2022. She attended East Clarendon High School in Turberville, where she was named a McDonald’s All-American and the S.C. Gatorade Player of the year in 2021.
Cooper is USC’s most prolific transfer since five-star Saniya Rivers left for North Carolina State last year.
The Gamecocks and Volunteers play each other twice this year, in Knoxville on Feb. 15 and in Columbia on March 3. Cooper will be allowed to be on bench with the Vols for games this season.
Cooper appeared in 24 of South Carolina’s 37 games last season. She averaged 8.5 minutes per game (second fewest among guards), 2.9 points, 1.8 rebounds and 1.3 assists. She scored a career-high 15 points, logged five rebounds, two assists and a steal in 19 minutes against Texas A&M.
South Carolina returns six players from last year’s Final Four squad, including Preseason All-SEC First Team center Kamilla Cardoso and guard Raven Johnson. The Gamecocks add five new players — two transfers in Te-Hina Paopao and Sakima Walker and three freshmen in MiLaysia Fulwiley, Tessa Johnson and Sahnya Jah.
This story was originally published October 19, 2023 at 2:03 PM.
