While growing up in Watts, Calif., Hall of Famer Cynthia Cooper knew if she worked hard that basketball could help her escape from the dangerous inner city gangs and drugs. “Watts taught me there were consequences to everything you do,” she said. “It fueled my fire.” #HangTime

Cooper, who played on 2 NCAA title teams at USC and 4 WNBA title teams with the Houston Comets, shared her inspiring story during the Coaches Hang-Time online clinic Sunday night. “Growing up in Watts helped me find my passion, my desire to be the best,” she said. #CHT

She admitted that she came out of Watts “a little rough around the edges,” but continued to work hard and develop as a reserve player on USC’s title teams to a star player in Italy and Spain before joining the Comets at age 34 and becoming a superstar and 4x WNBA Finals MVP. #CHT

The determined Cooper signed with the Comets in 1997, and along with Sheryl Swoopes and Tina Thompson, helped lead them to 4 straight WNBA titles. Her outstanding career overseas helped spur her confidence in the WNBA and later led to a friendship with Kobe Bryant. #HangTime

“When I was in Spain and Italy, I gave them the business,” Cooper said. “But I was an American basketball player who strived for greatness in everything I did. While there, I learned to speak fluent Italian — just like Kobe.” #HangTime

Kobe’s father, Joe “Jellybean” Bryant, had played pro ball in Italy after his NBA career and Kobe learned to speak Italian. When Cooper and Kobe became friends, they would speak to each other in Italian. “I knew Kobe for years. I had a special vibe with him,” she said. #HangTime

Cooper said what impressed her most about Kobe was “he knew he was great and held himself to that standard every day even when he made mistakes.” She added: “Kobe had a winner’s mentality — to soar above the rest. That set him apart.” Cooper felt she shared a similar fire. #CHT

“I started playing basketball at 15,” Cooper said. “People told me there were things I couldn’t do, but I was in the gym all day getting better. You can be anything you want if you put in the work. I wanted to be the best and I had the work ethic to be the best.” #HangTime

When she was a senior at Locke High School, she averaged 31 ppg and led it to the Cali 4A State title. She then went to USC and played four seasons, including NCAA titles in 1983 & ‘84. But in 1984, her brother was killed by a gang in Watts and Cooper left USC. #HangTime

Cooper left school to help her mother but eventually returned to USC with the strong support of the Women of Troy coaches and finished her collegiate career. She then spent 10 highly successful seasons overseas before signing with the Comets in 1997 and becoming a superstar. #CHT

Cooper played five years with the Comets before retiring at age 40. She did some TV broadcasting but still missed the game. “I missed teaching basketball and motivating players to get better,” she said. “I realized I wanted to coach college and teach the next generation.” #CHT

“Teaching is my passion,” Cooper said, “I want to pass the torch on to someone else.” Her first college coaching job was at Prairie View A&M University where she had success and she’s also had stops at UNC-Wilmington, USC and twice at Texas Southern, the school she’s at now. #CHT

But no matter where Cooper coaches, she brings her passion for the game and love for her players to work every day. “It’s all about the players and putting them in a position that they can be successful,” she said. “I’m all about winning, but I love my players.” #HangTime

“In life, you’ve got to learn to trust people that believe in you,” Cooper said. “Without my USC coaches and their support, I don’t become a 4-time WNBA champion and so much more.” Her quest for greatness began in Watts and those lessons help keep her internal fire glowing. #CHT