Notre Dame sits atop the ACC, as they defeated North Carolina 90-82 to win the conference postseason tournament. With NBA prospect in point guard Jerian Grant leading the charge, the Irish are poised to make a serious run through the NCAA Tourney.
However, it’s not just the current Notre Dame basketball roster making noise, as former Irish standout, Jack Cooley cemented his name in the Development League record books, in setting an NBA D-League single-game record record with 29 rebounds.
The rebounding record has been the cherry on top to what has been a sensational season for Cooley. On the year, he averages 16.8 points and 12.4 rebounds per contest with the Idaho Stampede.
Putting up 29 rebounds in a single game is no easy task, and it’s a feat that has gotten the attention of numerous scouts. According to Alex Kennedy, Cooley’s chance for a prolonged stay on an NBA roster (Cooley recently rejoined the Stampede after a 10-day stint with Utah.) are increasing.
“I’m hearing that Jack Cooley has received interest from a number of NBA teams. He could get a call-up at some point in the near future.”
While Cooley looks to achieve his lifelong dream of becoming an NBA regular, he has also kept an eye on the success of his alma mater, even if that comes at the expense of putting up 29 rebounds in one game.
“I continually asked throughout the game what the score was from a guy at the scorer’s table,” Cooley told the Tribune. “It’s always great to beat Duke.”
The Notre Dame pride was flowing that night, as Notre Dame won the ACC Tournament, and Cooley grabbed 29 rebounds. Will there be an encore performance from both? That’s just going to be the luck of the Irish.