RUSTON – Louisiana Tech junior guard Kaden Cooper was recognized Thursday as one of the top players in Conference USA heading into the 2025-26 season, earning a spot on the league's 10-member All-Preseason Team.
 
Cooper, who emerged as one of the most versatile two-way players in CUSA last season, returns after starting 30 games for the Bulldogs in 2024-25.  The 6-foot-6 standout filled the stat sheet, averaging 9.3 points and a team-high 7.8 rebounds per game while also pacing LA Tech in total steals (48).
 
The Ada, Oklahoma native recorded 13 double-figure scoring performances as a sophomore, including a season-high 25 points on 10-of-15 shooting against Georgia Southern.  
 
He led the Bulldogs in rebounding 18 times, capped by a 14-rebound performance against Middle Tennessee in the CUSA Tournament, the second most ever by a LA Tech player in the event.  His 6.22 defensive rebounds per game ranked first in CUSA and 32nd in the country.
 
Cooper and the Bulldogs were picked to finish fifth in this season's preseason poll as voted on by the leagues head coaches.  LA Tech, led by fourth-year head coach Talvin Hester, will be a revamped team with just four returners and 10 newcomers.
 
2025-26 CUSA Men's Basketball Preseason Poll (first-place votes)
1. Liberty (11)
2. Kennesaw State (1)
3. New Mexico State
4. Middle Tennessee
5. Louisiana Tech
6. WKU
7. Jacksonville State
8. UTEP
9. Sam Houston
10. FIU
11. Delaware
12. Missouri State
 
2025-26 CUSA Men's Basketball Preseason Player of the Year
Simeon Cottle, Kennesaw State
 
2025-26 CUSA Men's Basketball Preseason All-Conference Team
Cavan Reilly, Delaware
Mostapha El Moutaouakkil, Jacksonville State
Simeon Cottle, Kennesaw State
Braedan Lue, Kennesaw State
Zach Cleveland, Liberty
Kaden Metheny, Liberty
Colin Porter, Liberty
Kaden Cooper, Louisiana Tech
Kamari Lands, Middle Tennessee
Jemel Jones, New Mexico State
 
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