PORTALES, N.M. – The Lone Star Conference recognized
Cooper Jackson as the defensive player of the week. The junior had nine steals over two wins for Eastern New Mexico this week.
"I really appreciate the conference voting me this award, especially when Coach Võ emphasizes defense every day," said Jackson when told about the honor. "My teammates push me everyday to be the best I can be, so this defensive player of the week honor goes to the whole team."
Jackson helped ENMU beat Angelo State by 20 points after contributing ten points and three steals over 26 minutes. He also earned his third block of the season against the Rams.
The Lawrence, Kan. native shined against UT Permian Basin as he tallied six steals for the fourth time this season and first time against a conference opponent. Jackson finished the game with six points, three assists, and a rebound.
"Cooper causes a lot of havoc for the other teams. He makes it hard for any ball handler to operate on the court," said head coach Daven Võ when asked about Jackson. "He is relentless at pursuing the basketball and has a knack for getting his hands on the basketball. Watching some of the things Cooper does, we are in awe as a program."
In both games this week, Jackson came off the bench for Eastern. He now holds the lead in the LSC with 54 total steals this season. He also ranks in the top ten in program history for single season steal marks despite playing in just 15 games this year.
This is the first time a men's basketball student-athlete from ENMU has been recognized as the defensive player of the week since Errol White earned the honor in February 2023.
Eastern New Mexico men's basketball and
Cooper Jackson will next hit the court in Silver City, N.M. Thursday night to take on Western New Mexico.
