Joe Cooper describes time with Memphis Tigers as 'worst experience' of his career

Joe Cooper, the 6-foot-1 point guard for the Memphis Tigers opened up about his time with the team. On Tuesday, it was announced that Cooper will not be on the Tigers' team for the 2024-25 season.

According to Parth Upadhyaya of The Daily Memphian, Cooper spoke with him reflecting on the challenges he faced during his time on the court at Memphis last season.

"It was kinda heartbreaking," Cooper said. "The worst experience I’ve ever experienced."

The walk-on guard said his departure from the Tigers was not entirely his decision. Memphis Tigers basketball writer Upadhyaya posted a tweet regarding his exit.

"Joe Cooper made it clear to me that it wasn't his goal to 'put nobody on the spot or on blast'iwith his comments. He simply wanted to set the record straight about his departure from Memphis. 'I just want people to know why (I'm leaving). I'm not turning my back on the city.'"

Upadhyaya also mentioned in another tweet that Joe Cooper's departure was not a total surprise, as he recalled discussing this possibility during an interview with Cooper in April. Given the uncertainties facing the Tigers, Upadhyaya hinted that Cooper's tenure with the team might be at an end.

"I walk by faith and not by sight," Cooper said. "So whatever God tells me or whatever feels right, that's what I'm gonna do. God might not want me in Memphis; God might want me in Memphis. So it's just about waking up every day being a good person and praying. And then God is gonna order my steps."

Joe Cooper only played six games at Memphis in 2023-24

Being a walk-on player, Joe Cooper had to spend most of his time on the bench throughout the 2023-24 season.

Cooper, the stepson of Rodney Newsom, who played for the Tigers alongside coach Penny Hardaway from 1992 to 1996, scored eight points, made 12 assists, and grabbed 10 rebounds in 50 minutes across six games he played last season.

His stats on average read 1.3 points, 1.7 rebounds, and 2.0 assists in just 8.2 minutes per game. He made 28.6% of his shots overall, 50.0% from three-point range, and 75.0% from the free-throw line.

His first appearance at FedExForum was during a victory against Charlotte, where the Tigers won by 24 points. This followed a tough road trip in Texas, which included a 27-point defeat at SMU. In the game against the 49ers, Cooper contributed with three rebounds and an assist.