Former Cal standout Rod Benson recently turned his analytical eye toward a fresh addition to the program: Michael Cooper, the 6‑foot‑3 guard who arrived via the transfer portal this offseason.
A Promising Arrival
Cooper’s statistical footprint from the 2025‑26 campaign reads like a balanced contributor’s résumé. He posted averages of 13.4 points, 2.7 rebounds and 2.2 assists while shooting 50 percent on two‑point attempts, 35.6 percent from beyond the arc and an impressive 80.5 percent at the free‑throw line. Those numbers were underscored by 15 outings with double‑digit scoring, including five games where he reached the 20‑point plateau, and seven contests that featured four or more assists.
Beyond the box score, Cooper was instrumental in guiding his former squad to an NCAA Tournament berth and earned recognition on the Horizon League’s All‑Freshman Team and All‑Tournament Team, accolades that speak to his immediate impact.
Now in Berkeley, the coaching staff hopes his versatile skill set will translate into a deeper rotation and a more dynamic offense. Benson, who has been chronicling the team’s progress, notes that Cooper’s blend of shooting efficiency and playmaking could provide the Bears with a reliable sparkplug as they aim to climb the Pac‑12 standings.