Cooley Loses Recruiting Battle for Hopkins
Ed Cooley had previously secured Bryce Hopkins for his team, but this time, things didn’t go in his favor.
Now, Cooley, head coach at Georgetown, will face St. John’s University, where Hopkins, a promising 6-foot-6 forward, is expected to shine after transferring from Providence.
“I thought Bryce would be with us, but no,” Cooley remarked at Big East Media Day held at Madison Square Garden. “Recruiting is unpredictable. It’s all about the portal. He chose a place where he can really excel, and a coach that will challenge him to reach his full potential.”
The coach in question is Rick Pitino, who succeeded in recruiting Hopkins for his last year of eligibility.
An Illinois native, Hopkins began his college journey at the University of Kentucky before spending a season at Providence under Cooley’s guidance.
During his time at Providence, Hopkins averaged more than 15 points and eight rebounds per game but suffered a torn ACL in his left knee.
Upon his return late last season, he entered the transfer portal once more and landed in Queens, with Pitino eager to integrate him into the team.
Although he didn’t make the starting lineup in the preseason game against Towson, Pitino expressed confidence in Hopkins’ development and potential.
However, Pitino confirmed that Hopkins would start in an upcoming exhibition game against the University of Michigan.
“Bryce performed exceptionally well last week,” Pitino noted. “He had a fantastic showing in the exhibition game. He’ll be starting against Michigan… He’s looking fit and has lost weight. His shooting is solid. He’s playing great basketball.”
Cooley anticipated that Hopkins would thrive upon arriving in Queens.
“Bryce is an exceptional talent,” Cooley said. “We were fortunate to bring him from Kentucky to Providence, and now to St. John’s. I believe he has the potential to be one of the best players in the country.”
Pitino’s influence plays a significant role in that potential.
“He’s playing for one of the greatest coaches in college basketball—Rick Pitino,” Cooley acknowledged. “Pitino is an incredible motivator and a true innovator in sports. I think Bryce made a smart choice in seeking a place where he could grow and realize his potential.”
Even though Cooley felt let down, he insisted he has no regrets about not securing Hopkins.
“In today’s recruiting landscape, you can’t dwell on the past,” Cooley reflected. “It’s all about the present. What has been done lately? He’s in a great program and gets to play in this iconic venue.”
