Knowing his days as a Red Fox were numbered, graduate student forward Javon Cooley had to make the most of every moment in Atlantic City.
Following an unexpected Cinderella-esque run to last year’s MAAC Championship game, the Marist men’s basketball team arrived at this year’s tournament with heightened expectations, holding the No. 3 seed and the program’s most regular season wins in 17 years.
With each game having the potential to be his last, Cooley committed to leaving it all on the floor at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall.
“Just knowing that in my head, every possession, that’s what I’m thinking about,” said Cooley.
Cooley ignited Marist’s comeback quarterfinal victory over the Niagara Purple Eagles on Thursday, first with a vicious putback slam.
He followed that up with two clutch 3-pointers–the second of which made it a two-possession game–and helped put the game out of reach in the final minute by sinking four free throws. As a player who acts as the glue of the team, Cooley was not concerned with playing hero ball, choosing to remain more focused on the bigger picture.
“This team is always willing to play for the next guy,” said Cooley. “We don’t care who has a good night, we just all like to play together and play as one.”
In Friday night’s loss to the Fairfield Stags, Cooley caught fire and carried the load offensively for Marist in the first half. With nine minutes remaining, he drained his fourth 3-pointer, good for 12 points on only four field goal attempts. Marist led 23-19, with Cooley accounting for more than half of the Red Foxes’ points.
“I started off the game making some shots, just giving the team a boost at the time we needed it,” said Cooley.
He cooled down in the second half to finish with 14 points, but brought intensity on the defensive end, snagging five rebounds and blocking two shots.
Cooley’s impact on the Marist program in this year’s MAAC tournament, this season and throughout his career was not limited to just on-court effort. His leadership shined through as the most impactful quality of his character for the Red Foxes.
“Javon [Cooley] has been a special player and special person,” said Marist head coach John Dunne. “He’s one of the top five special people I’ve ever coached… the kid is a hot topic in my household, everybody is amazed about what he accomplishes at such a young age.”
Off the court, Cooley founded his own clothing company, Chain Reaction, graduated from Marist in three years and is currently pursuing a master’s degree in marketing.
Though Cooley and the Red Foxes ultimately came up short this year in Atlantic City, his influence on the program will outlast him, thanks to his role in mentoring the younger Red Foxes.
“Being a freshman, coming in new, and [Cooley] being like a big brother to me and playing hard for me,” said freshman guard Jadin Collins. “It hits hard that we lost this one.”
Cooley has played his final minutes for the Red Foxes, but his character has made a lasting impression on his teammates and coach, making the forward’s future bright beyond basketball.
“He’s just laser-focused in life man, said Dunne. “[Cooley’s] going to be successful.”
Edited by Jimmy Tsiantoulas, Dan Aulbach and Luke Sassa
Photo from Jimmy Tsiantoulas
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