Indiana State’s Cooper Neese

Faith to Return

(St. Louis, MO) – Cooper Neese is moving up the Indiana State record books, enjoying his time at Indiana State and has faith to return to Terre Haute for a senior (fifth) season.

Neese is completing his fourth active season after redshirting his first year with the Sycamores. Due to NCAA covid rulings, he has the opportunity to return next season.

When former coach Greg Lansing was replaced with Josh Schertz, Neese patiently considered his options. After careful consideration and getting to know Schertz, he decided to continue his Sycamore career.

Recently he passed teammate Tyreke Key on the ISU career three-point list. His 157 (heading into Tuesday’s game) are sixth best in Sycamore history. He is second on the team with a 14.5 points per game scoring average.

ISU Journey

Neese transferred to Indiana State (from Butler) to be closer to home, but was drawn to the program by the intentionality and relationship he had formed with Lansing. He saw Lansing and then assistant coach Lou Gudino as people he could trust and placed a high priority on what was best for individual players.

He says current coach Josh Schertz is cut from that same piece of cloth. Neese says both Lansing and Schertz proved to care more about him as a person rather than what they could get out of him as a player.

Passing Key on the all-time list was a little ‘bitter-sweet’. He knows the Sycamores would be a much different team if the injured Key could have played this season.

 

 

ISU is healthier now than at any time this season and Neese believs the Sycamores are poised to show the rest of the Missouri Valley how good their team can be. He has recently recovered from a concussion, numerous players have had covid issues and an assortment of injuries.

With a full complement of players on hand, Neese says his team can be very good.

Neese is closing in on 900 career points (after scoring over 2,400 in high school) and there have been many thrills and experiences he treasures. The former all-Freshman team member says an early experience in Hawaii and a recent game-winning bucket against Miami of Ohio rank high on his list of highlights.

 

 

Faith to Return

Neese is unabashed about living out his Christian faith. He recently made this Twitter post.

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But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength, they shall mount up with wings as eagles, they shall run, and not be weary, and they shall walk, and not faint. Isaiah 40:31 Amen 🙏🏼

— Cooper Neese (@CooperNeese) February 6, 2022

 

He says he grew up with Bible teachings and wants God to get the credit for all he accomplishes. He says that God’s unconditional love is so important to him that he wants to do everything he can for the Lord.

 

 

Neese also believes in the Sycamore basketball program. Believing something special can be built there, he has chosen to hold off on a professional career. He will return for a fifth collegiate season in Terre Haute.

 

 

His return along with most of his current teammates means the Josh Schertz era will have a great opportunity to take root. Neese says he loves the fans and community in Terre Haute and believes in what coach Schertz is building.

Closing the Season

Neese and his teammates (9-13, 2-8) have eight games left on the regular season schedule (prior to Tuesday’s game with Evansville). Then the Sycamores will participate in Arch Madness. He believes they can have a great finish to the season.

Every player on ISU’s current roster could potentially come back next season. The finish to this season, could spark a great start to next year.

Neese says Arch Madness is truly special. He loves playing in front of many Sycamore fans that come to the Gateway City from around the country.

To hear this entire interview head to Valley Hoops Insider Podcasts. You may watch it on YouTube.

The 6’4 guard has faith his team can have success and he has faith to return next year.

Do Good