Former UNM Player and Albuquerque Thunderbirds Head Coach Michael Cooper Named to Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame

Former UNM player and Albuquerque Thunderbirds head coach, Michael Cooper, has been named to the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame class of 2024, solidifying his legacy as one of the most notable basketball figures to come through Albuquerque.

Cooper first made his mark in New Mexico in 1976 when he transferred from Pasadena City College in California to play for the Lobos. During his two seasons with UNM, Cooper was a standout player, earning first-team all-WAC honors and a first team All-America selection in the 1977-1978 season. He led the Lobos to a WAC championship and averaged 15.6 points and 5.3 rebounds per game during his time at UNM.

After his successful college career, Cooper was drafted by the Los Angeles Lakers in 1978 and went on to win five NBA championships with the legendary “Showtime Lakers” alongside players like Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar. Known for his defensive prowess, Cooper was named the NBA Defensive Player of the Year in the 1986-1987 season and earned eight NBA all-defensive team selections.

Following his playing career, Cooper transitioned into coaching and found success at multiple levels of basketball, including winning back-to-back WNBA championships with the Los Angeles Sparks in 2001 and 2002. He also had a successful stint as head coach of the Albuquerque Thunderbirds, leading the team to a league championship in 2006.

Cooper’s induction into the hall of fame makes him the second Lobo basketball player to receive this honor, joining Mel Daniels who was inducted in 2012. The hall of fame class of 2024 also includes basketball legends like Vince Carter, Chauncey Billups, and Jerry West. Cooper will be enshrined in Springfield, MA on the weekend of August 16-17, cementing his place among the basketball greats.