Newell coached for 15 years at the University of San Francisco, Michigan State University and UC Berkeley finishing with an overall record of 234-123. He led Cal to the 1959 NCAA men’s basketball championship and a year later coached the gold medal winning U.S. team at the 1960 Olympics. Also known as “America’s Basketball Guru” Newell is one of only three coaches to win the “Triple Crown” of NCAA, NIT and Olympic championships.

Newell served as the Lakers GM from 1972-1976 and later as a scout. When Cooper was drafted by the Lakers in 1978, Newell’s presence was still felt throughout the organization. “With him having worked with the Lakers and being close friends with Jerry (West), he was just a person that was always around and we were glad because he was so full of knowledge of the game of basketball,” remembered Cooper.

As the “Showtime” years came and went and Cooper began his coaching career, he has always fallen back on words given to him by Coach Newell, “Coop you have to be patient in the game of basketball and that’s working with either men or women.” Newell was known by many as being patient and thoughtful in his approach, something that led to his many years of success. Over the years, Cooper understands just how important that advice has been to him as a coach. “Those were some good words,” said Cooper.