Unfortunately, Michigan State basketball didn't have anyone selected in the 2026 NBA Draft. While rival Michigan was busy churping about their three lottery picks, Carson Cooper was preparing himself to take the next step in his basketball journey.
No, he didn't hear his name called in the draft itself but that doesn't mean it's the end all be all. In fact, in some cases it's better to go undrafted. That's what was expected for Coop.
The Spartan fan favorite now knows what his next opportunity is.
Cooper has signed a two-way contact with the Memphis Grizzlies, according to several sources.
Michigan State center Carson Cooper has agreed to a two-way contract with the Memphis Grizzlies per @BillyReinhardt pic.twitter.com/Kj7bXT504j
— Michigan State Hoops (@michsthoops) June 25, 2026
It isn't shocking to see Cooper get picked up, especially with the growth he showed throughout his career in East Lansing. After a strong showing in workouts with the Golden State Warriors, and obviously Memphis, the Grizzlies found themselves another Spartan they will try to mold into a contributor for the future.
Cooper joins an impressive list of other former Spartans who have spent time in the Grizzlies’ organization. Think back to Zach Randolph who spent a bulk of his career in Memphis which included two NBA All-Star appearances.
The Spartan-Memphis connection didn't stop there as Jaren Jackson Jr. and Xavier Tillman both spent the early days of their NBA careers in Memphis and Deyonta Davis even made a pit stop with the Grizzlies. Now Cooper gets the chance to prove himself, with an organization that has found plenty of gems in the undrafted ranks, and turned them from two-way players into a player who hangs around the league for many years.
It isn't getting drafted, but for the third straight year, Tom Izzo has a player who proved their way into a pro contract. As Malik Hall did so with the Hornets’ and Pistons’ G-League teams two years ago, and Jaden Akins just this past season with the Motor City Cruise.
Time will tell if Cooper can become the next two-way breakout story. It's great that he's at least getting the opportunity to further showcase what he's got.
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