Talaysia Cooper | Guard | Tennessee: Key Player Analysis and Season Impact

Talaysia Cooper has quickly made herself a vital part of the Tennessee Lady Volunteers, showing why she’s on the radar for the 2026 WNBA draft.

Standing at 6 feet tall and playing guard, Cooper brings both scoring and versatility to the court. After transferring from South Carolina and sitting out a season, she wasted no time making an impact with Tennessee.

Cooper’s recent season saw her average 16.6 points per game and contribute as a strong rebounder, making her one of the key players to watch for the Lady Vols. She was a highly ranked recruit, a McDonald’s All-American, and has been recognized for her leadership and athleticism since high school. With her ability to defend, score, and distribute, she should be considered a serious candidate for the 2026 draft.

Season	Team	Points/Game	Rebounds/Game	Assists/Game
2024-25	Tennessee	16.6	Not listed	Not listed

Cooper’s growth at Tennessee and her national profile as a guard make her a name worth following as the season unfolds. Learn more about her current stats and career journey on her Tennessee Athletics profile or see her recent stats on ESPN.

Talaysia Cooper: Profile & Background

Talaysia Cooper has quickly built a reputation as a standout guard through her play at both the high school and collegiate levels. Known for her scoring, court vision, and unselfish style, she brings athleticism and poise to every team she joins.

Early Life and Education

Born on July 17, 2004, in Turbeville, South Carolina, Talaysia Cooper is the only child of Letessa Porter and Travis Cooper. She grew up in a close-knit community, where basketball was a key part of her upbringing.

From an early age, Cooper stood out for her athleticism and drive. She attended East Clarendon High School, where she balanced academics and athletics, earning respect on and off the court. Her college choice reflects her desire to compete at the highest level, as she is now a sport management major at the University of Tennessee.

East Clarendon High School Achievements

At East Clarendon High School, Cooper led her team to multiple state playoff appearances. She averaged impressive statistics during her high school career, cementing her reputation as one of the best guards in South Carolina.

Notable Stats and Achievements:

Season	Points Per Game	Rebounds Per Game	Assists Per Game	Steals Per Game
Senior Year	28.0	11.0	8.0	5.0

She was known for her scoring ability and her knack for making big plays in clutch moments. Her versatility also allowed her to defend multiple positions, adding value on both ends of the court. Coaches and scouts praised her leadership and ability to elevate her teammates at East Clarendon.

McDonald’s All-American Honors

Cooper’s senior year pushed her into national recognition. She earned a spot on the prestigious McDonald’s All-American roster, an honor reserved for the top high school players in the country.

Being named a McDonald’s All-American highlights her exceptional skill, work ethic, and performance against elite competition. This recognition also increased her visibility to top college programs and helped set the stage for her college career at Tennessee.

These honors and experiences have made her a strong candidate for the 2026 WNBA Draft. Coaches and analysts point to her blend of scoring, passing, and defensive skills as reasons she should be considered for the next level. For more on her current profile and career, visit the Tennessee Athletics roster.

College Basketball Career

Talaysia Cooper’s journey through top college basketball programs highlights her adaptability and growth as a guard. She brought intensity to the South Carolina Gamecocks, developed maturity in a key redshirt year, and used the transfer portal to reshape her future with the Tennessee Lady Vols.

Tenure at South Carolina

Cooper started her college career with the South Carolina Gamecocks, where she learned under head coach Dawn Staley. She entered as a highly regarded recruit, known for her scoring ability and quick first step.

During her time as a Gamecock, she had to earn her minutes among a roster stacked with All-Americans and future pros. The experience allowed her to practice daily against elite competition, which contributed to her growth as both a defender and a shot creator.

She averaged 2.9 points per game, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 8.4 minutes per contest across key SEC matchups and postseason games. Her most impressive outings often came in limited minutes against tough opponents—showcasing her potential when given opportunities.

Cooper’s experience at South Carolina set a foundation for what she would become at her next stop. She built her game around efficiency, understanding team roles, and embracing the grind of high-level college basketball.

Role as Redshirt Sophomore

After her initial stint, Cooper took a redshirt year—a crucial step for some players looking to refine their game and recover physically. She spent the season building strength and adjusting to the demands of her position at the college level.

The redshirt year allowed Cooper to study the nuances of the game from the sideline and focus on aspects like court vision, timing, and leadership. She improved her basketball IQ during this period by watching film and observing teammates in pressure moments.

Here is a breakdown of her per-game statistics over her redshirt and active seasons:

Season	Points	Rebounds	Assists	Minutes
Freshman	2.9	1.8	1.3	8.4
Redshirt	—	—	—	—
Sophomore	2.9	1.8	1.3	8.4

Cooper used her time in the redshirt system to develop a stronger frame and a better understanding of her role as a lead guard. This experience gave her a solid base heading into her transfer.

Transition Through the Transfer Portal

The transfer portal has changed the landscape of women’s college basketball, and Cooper’s move was a prime example. She became one of the top transfers after deciding to leave USC, with several programs expressing interest.

Tennessee, home to the Lady Vols, eventually landed her commitment. The move reunited Cooper with an SEC program known for its player development and national profile. At Tennessee, she quickly found a role in the rotation, offering sharp perimeter defense and efficient playmaking.

At the Lady Vols, Cooper’s scoring, basketball intelligence, and athleticism continued to shine. She made significant contributions in both conference play and the NCAA Tournament, helping the Volunteers compete at a high level. See more about her Tennessee career on her Lady Volunteers profile.

The transition gave Cooper a chance to play more minutes while also displaying her improved skills and maturity.

Performance Highlights with Tennessee Lady Vols

Talaysia Cooper quickly made an impression as a standout guard for the Lady Vols. Her stat lines and game-changing plays have given Tennessee a boost in the SEC and drawn attention from WNBA scouts.

Position as Guard

Cooper’s main role with Tennessee has been as a primary guard, where she leads both the offense and defense. Her game is marked by quick decision-making, defensive pressure, and the ability to create scoring opportunities.

Standing out in the backcourt, Cooper often handles the ball in key moments and directs plays. She adjusts well to intense SEC matchups, defending top guards and setting up teammates. Her length allows her to disrupt passing lanes and force turnovers.

These skills make her a steady anchor for the Lady Vols. They also project well at the next level, which is critical for WNBA draft consideration.

Key Statistics: Steals, Assists, and Rebounds

Cooper’s numbers provide a clear picture of her impact:

Statistic	Value
Points (2024-25 Season)	33 (career high vs Liberty)
Rebounds	11 (vs Memphis)
Assists	7 (season high)
Average Steals/Game	3.0 (Week 2 average)
Average Rebounds/Game	9.5 (Week 2 average)
Shooting Percentage	55.6% (Week 2)

Her 33 points against Liberty and 27 points against Missouri show her scoring power. Strong averages in steals and rebounds highlight her all-around game, especially for a guard. Taking over games like these is rare at the college level and draws attention for future WNBA draft projections.

Impact in the SEC Conference

Within the SEC, Cooper’s performances have been timely and vital. She has led Tennessee in major wins, often by taking over in crunch time. Her 27 points against Missouri were key in closing out a tight contest and kept the Lady Vols in the upper half of the standings.

Cooper’s consistent stat lines—such as her career night vs. Liberty—help Tennessee contend in a tough conference. She ranks among the league leaders in steals per game and rebounds per game for guards.

Her ability to disrupt opposing offenses, rebound against bigger players, and maintain poise in the SEC Tournament makes her a strong candidate for the 2026 WNBA draft. Scouts take note when a player performs this well against elite competition.

Notable Games & Milestones

Talaysia Cooper’s journey as Tennessee’s guard has included important moments in the NCAA Tournament, big showdowns against ranked teams, and a growing role in postseason play. Her performances in these key games highlight her development and hint at her potential for the next level.

NCAA Tournament Experiences

Cooper saw significant action during Tennessee’s NCAA Tournament runs. She played in four games during the tournament, averaging 2.9 points, 1.8 rebounds, and 1.3 assists in 8.4 minutes per game. Though not always in the starting lineup, her minutes were crucial in keeping up the tempo and defensive pressure.

She was often brought in as an energy player off the bench, showing poise against high-level competition. Her ability to contribute in multiple areas allowed Tennessee coaches to trust her in critical stretches. The consistency she showed, even in short bursts, gave her team valuable flexibility and depth in March.

Below is a table of her tournament stats:

Stat	Value
Points/Game	2.9
Rebounds/Game	1.8
Assists/Game	1.3
Minutes/Game	8.4
NCAA Appearances	4

Final Four and National Championship Pursuits

While Cooper’s time at Tennessee has not yet included a Final Four appearance or national title, her role grew each year as the team pushed deeper into tournament play. She played in two SEC Tournament games and was a steady presence during key stretches.

Her defense and court vision often sparked quick runs, helping Tennessee remain competitive against higher-seeded opponents. Though the Lady Vols have faced tough exits, Cooper’s postseasons were marked by her readiness to step into the spotlight when called. Coaches noted her discipline in March, particularly in transition defense and ball movement.

With continued growth, she has the defensive instincts and basketball IQ that WNBA scouts value, making her a candidate to watch for the 2026 WNBA draft.

Matchups Against Iowa and Vanderbilt

One of Cooper’s standout contributions came when Tennessee handed Iowa their first loss of the season. Her energy on both ends was key as she played significant minutes, helping disrupt Iowa’s offense and contributing timely rebounds and assists.

She also delivered solid performances in SEC play, notably against rivals like Vanderbilt. In those matchups, her scoring, hustle, and passing helped keep Tennessee in close contests and maintain momentum. Her play against top competition like Iowa indicated her readiness for bigger moments and demonstrated the potential to transfer her skill set to the next level.

For her efforts in these games, Cooper received recognition and was named NCAA.com Player of the Week, an honor that boosted her profile and supported her status as a WNBA draft prospect for 2026.

Coaching and Team Dynamics

Talaysia Cooper’s time at Tennessee has been marked by a shift in team strategy, significant coaching changes, and innovative approaches to player rotation. The leadership styles of both Kellie Harper and Kim Caldwell directly shaped Cooper’s role on the court.

Under Coach Kellie Harper

During Cooper’s early seasons, Kellie Harper focused on structure and defense-first basketball. Harper valued disciplined play and emphasized strong guard defense, which matched Cooper’s natural skills.

Harper’s system prioritized patience and strategic sets. Guards like Cooper were asked to be both distributors and intensive on-ball defenders. This approach allowed Cooper to earn a spot as a team leader in steals and in creating transition opportunities.

Over time, Cooper grew into a dependable option when defending the other team’s best players.

Harper also relied on a tight player rotation, allowing her primary guards, including Cooper, to develop chemistry and learn through extended minutes. This stability was crucial in Cooper’s development from a promising freshman into an all-conference performer.

Influence of Coach Kim Caldwell

When Kim Caldwell took over the program, Tennessee’s tactics became noticeably more aggressive. Caldwell is known for her offensive pace and willingness to experiment with tempo.

Cooper benefited from this change, showing more freedom to push the ball and take shots early in the shot clock.

Caldwell encouraged a next-play mentality and quick ball movement. For Cooper, this meant an uptick in scoring and more responsibility to ignite fast breaks.

Her athleticism and court vision allowed her to adjust well to Caldwell’s system, often setting the tone for the rest of the backcourt.

The coach also fostered a competitive but supportive environment, helping Cooper earn spots on the All-SEC second team and defensive team. This recognition highlighted her ability to adapt and thrive under new leadership.

Playing Style and Hockey-Style Substitutions

A big change under Caldwell was the introduction of hockey-style substitutions. Instead of long, drawn-out runs for the starting five, players swapped in and out in line shifts.

For Cooper, who played heavy minutes under Harper, this approach asked her to sprint at full intensity in shorter bursts.

This substitution strategy increased the pace and kept players fresher. For a guard like Cooper, who averaged 16.6 points, 3.1 steals, and 0.7 blocks per game, as seen in the table below, it allowed her to stay aggressive on both ends.

Player	PPG	SPG	BPG	Double-Doubles
Talaysia Cooper	16.6	3.1	0.7	3
Kayla McBride	12.3	2.0	0.4	2
Zoe Sutton	9.7	1.1	0.3	1

Cooper’s impressive production in this up-tempo style, combined with her proven defense, makes her a strong contender for the 2026 WNBA draft. Her ability to adapt successfully to new coaching styles and team dynamics sets her apart from many peers.

Awards and Recognitions

Talaysia Cooper’s season at Tennessee has featured standout defensive efforts and solid contributions on both ends of the floor. Her consistent play led to some of the league’s highest honors.

All-SEC Second Team Selection

Talaysia Cooper earned a spot on the All-SEC Second Team for her performances throughout the 2024-25 season. She was also named to the SEC All-Defensive Team, highlighting her versatility on the court.

Coaches and media voters recognized her skills, athleticism, and quick hands that caused problems for top scorers across the conference.

Cooper’s stats from this past season are a testament to her impact:

Stat	Value
Points per game	13.2
Rebounds per game	6.1
Assists per game	4.0
Steals per game	2.3

She was also listed on the Naismith Defensive Player of the Year Watch List, placing her among the nation’s best defenders. These recognitions make Cooper a strong candidate for the 2026 WNBA Draft—her ability to defend multiple positions and generate offense as a guard will appeal to professional scouts.

For more details on her honors, see the official announcement from Tennessee Athletics.

Injuries and Comebacks

Talaysia Cooper’s determination has helped her battle through setbacks and stay effective for the Lady Vols. Her response to adversity on and off the court places her among the top guards to watch heading into the 2026 WNBA draft.

Managing and Overcoming Ankle Injury

During a key game near the end of the season, Talaysia Cooper suffered an ankle injury and needed help leaving the court. The injury could have ended her season, but she focused on rehab and returned to play with impressive speed. Coaches cited her discipline and athleticism as critical factors in her quick recovery.

Her on-court performance remained strong. In one close loss, she contributed big in the fourth quarter, hitting three three-pointers and anchoring a late comeback. This resilience under pressure has kept her draft stock high. Scouts continue to note her combination of length, guard skills, and toughness.

2024-25 Season Key Stats

Game	PTS	REB	AST	STL	3PTM
Senior Day vs. Georgia	12	4	3	2	2
vs. Oklahoma	17	5	2	1	3
vs. FSU	14	6	4	1	2

Her ability to recover from injury and perform in crucial moments is a major reason she is a strong candidate for the 2026 WNBA draft.

Eligibility and NCAA Rules

Talaysia Cooper’s path to playing for Tennessee has been shaped by transfer policies and specific NCAA rules. She sat out a year due to these regulations, which affect eligibility and players’ college careers.

Understanding NCAA Eligibility

Student-athletes face rules that determine when they can play after transferring schools. For Talaysia Cooper, the NCAA required her to sit out the 2023-24 season when she moved from South Carolina to Tennessee. These transfer rules are meant to keep competition fair and prevent players from switching teams too frequently.

During her year off the court, Cooper continued to practice and train with the Lady Vols. She kept her skills sharp, setting herself up for success when declared eligible. The experience also let her focus on academics and team chemistry.

The table below shows Cooper’s stats from her time at South Carolina:

Season	Team	Games Played	Points/Game	Rebounds/Game	Assists/Game
2022-23	South Carolina	25	4.2	2.5	1.3

Players like Cooper, who overcome eligibility setbacks and keep developing, often become valuable draft prospects. Her ability to adapt and contribute in tough situations could help her stand out for the 2026 WNBA draft.

Legacy and Future Prospects

Talaysia Cooper made an impression at Tennessee with her versatility at guard, sharp defensive skills, and high basketball IQ. Named a five-star recruit by ESPN and ranked as a top-20 player in her class, Cooper brought both poise and athleticism to the Lady Vols.

Key Statistics

Season	GP	PPG	RPG	APG	SPG	FG%
2023-24	17	6.1	3.5	2.1	1.3	46

Stats reflect regular season performance.

Cooper’s ability to score, rebound, and pass makes her a valued contributor on both ends of the floor. Her quick hands and anticipation set her apart defensively, forcing turnovers and leading fast breaks.

Her move from South Carolina to Tennessee added value to the Lady Vols roster. She adapts well and takes on new roles, which is essential for guards aiming for the next level.

A significant injury at the end of the 2023-24 season interrupted her momentum. Even so, her athletic ability and high school accolades keep her in conversations about the 2026 WNBA draft.

When healthy, Cooper’s combination of size, speed, and court vision will draw interest from professional scouts. Her adaptability and commitment to improving key aspects of her game give her a strong foundation for the next chapter.