RODEZ (2010 FIBA U17 World Championship for Women) – Michael Cooper, a five-time NBA champion with the ‘Showtime’ era Los Angeles Lakers, was in Rodez to catch some of the action at the first-ever FIBA U17 World Championship for Women.

One of the best defensive guards in NBA history, Cooper played alongside basketball greats Magic Johnson and Kareem Abdul Jabbar to win five titles in the 1980s (1980, 1982, 1985, 1987 and 1988).

After his playing days came to an end, he joined the Lakers’ front office and later the coaching staff.

In November 1999, Cooper became the coach of the WNBA’s Los Angeles Sparks and was named the league’s Coach of the Year in his first season. He would go on to lead the Sparks to WNBA titles in 2001 and 2002.

In May 2009, he became the head coach of the women’s basketball team at the University of Southern California (USC).

FIBA.com talked to Cooper about France, traveling the world to find young talents and keeping in contact with Magic and Kareem.

FIBA: Is this your first time in France?
Cooper: It’s not my first time in France. I was in Paris with the Lakers for a tournament. However, this is my first time in Rodez. This city is very nice. I especially like the landscape, the countryside and the fresh air. Aveyron is a lovely region.

FIBA: What do you think about having a World Championship for this age group?
Cooper: I think it’s a great idea and a great competition. This tournament is particularly interesting and it allows me to watch young players from all around the world: the Americans of course, but also the French, Russians and the others…

FIBA: What do you make of the USA team?
Cooper: They are young but they have done very well so far. The only difficulty is to turn a group of players into a team. They are learning to play together. I am concerned for their future.

FIBA: What is your involvement in basketball nowadays?
Cooper: I don’t play anymore, but I am still involved as I am coaching the USC Trojans. I am also in charge of finding potential young players and for that reason I travel a lot. I’ve been to Chicago, Dallas and now here I am in Rodez.

FIBA: Are your still in touch with your Los Angeles Lakers team-mates?
Cooper: Unfortunately we are all very busy, but I still keep in touch with some of the guys, especially Magic Johnson who I see regularly, as well as Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and others. We are still all in shape…even though our bodies are getting older! (laughs)

FIBA/LOC