One of the fastest rising prospects in the class of 2023 for not only Illinois but the entire Midwest has made his college commitment. On Saturday, Mekhi Cooper announced his commitment to Miami University (OH). 

In the last few months Cooper had continued to pull in the scholarship offers from his play with Bolingbrook High School (IL) and the Flight Athletics program. Cal Poly, Cal State Fullerton, Eastern Illinois, Howard, Lewis, Missouri State, and SIUE had all offered the dynamic point guard this year. 

The coaches at Miami had a big piece in Cooper’s decision. “I really loved the whole coaching staff and the amount of love they showed me during the whole recruiting process. Also, loved their detail to player development.” 

Cooper had initially received the offer when he took a visit to the Oxford, Ohio campus at the end of June. “Visit went great,” he said about his visit from just over a month ago. “Loved the facilities. Got a chance to meet all the players and they had nothing but good things to say about the staff. Really felt like home.”

The point guard sees a seamless transition when he suits up in a RedHawk jersey as he sees some familiarities in their system. “I feel like my game would be a great fit with their play style. It’s a lot like the system we run at Bolingbrook. Very fast pace on offense and defense pushing the tempo.” 

In just the past few days, Miami has been making waves recruiting in the state of Illinois. Just last week they also received a commitment from rising senior forward Jackson Kotecki of St. Ignatius Prep.