Omar Cooper, the father of former Auburn five-star recruit Sharife Cooper, is facing criticism for his involvement in Rutgers Scarlet Knights star Ace Bailey’s pre-draft process. Although Cooper isn’t officially listed as Bailey’s agent, he’s reportedly been handling key aspects of Bailey’s draft preparations.
Bailey’s situation has sparked controversy, particularly after it was revealed he was seeking a promise from the Philadelphia 76ers before meeting with them, potentially impacting his draft stock. NBA teams have expressed concerns about Bailey’s shot selection and general approach to the game, with some speculating his agent or representation might be influencing his decisions.
Some fans and NBA evaluators have raised eyebrows over Cooper’s role, questioning whether his untraditional approach might affect Bailey’s draft prospects. Bailey’s agents of record, Adie Von Gontard and Daniel Green, haven’t been as visible in the discussions surrounding his draft preparations.
As the NBA draft approaches, Bailey’s situation remains uncertain, with some projecting him as a potential top-3 pick, while others believe he might fall outside the top 8 due to concerns over his game. The Philadelphia 76ers, holding the No. 3 pick, are among the teams closely watching Bailey’s progress ¹ ².
