Jazz sign Jack Cooley and Bryce Cotton to 10-day contracts
The Utah Jazz announced the team has signed forward Jack Cooley (Idaho Stampede, the Jazz’s exclusive NBA Development League affiliate) and guard Bryce Cotton (Austin Spurs) to 10-day contracts. Respectively, Cotton and Cooley become the NBA’s 38th and 39th overall NBA D-League Call-Ups of the 2014-15 season and the 28th and 29th different players to be called up.
Cooley (6-9, 246, Notre Dame) appeared in 16 games (14 starts) for the Stampede this season, averaging 15.5 points, 10.6 rebounds and 1.4 blocks in 29.1 minutes per contest. He recorded nine double-doubles, including recording a season-high 25 points and a season-high 20 rebounds vs. Austin Spurs on Feb. 18. He scored in double figures on 13 occasions and recorded 15-plus points in 10 games.
Cooley attended 2014 training camp with the Jazz, averaging 3.5 points and 3.0 rebounds in 5.8 minutes in two preseason games. He was waived on Oct. 22.
The 23-year-old forward played for Trabzonspor in the Turkish Basketball League during the 2013-14 season, averaging 12.6 points and 6.9 rebounds in 22.9 minutes in 28 games (19 starts).
Cooley played four years at Notre Dame (2009-13), averaging 13.1 points and 10.1 rebounds during his senior season. He also led the team with 41 blocked shots and earned 2013 All-Big East First Team honors. Cooley totaled 32 double-doubles throughout his career with the Fighting Irish, including 19 his senior campaign. He also earned the 2012 Big East Most Improved Player award and was named to the 2012 All-Big East Second Team.
Cotton (6-1, 165, Providence) appeared in 34 games (all starts) for the Spurs this season, averaging 22.4 points (third in the D-League), 4.7 rebounds, 4.6 assists and 1.3 steals in 40.5 minutes (first in the D-League) per contest. He is also shooting 90.0 percent from the free throw line this season, which ranks second in the D-League among active players. Cotton has scored in double figures on 31 occasions and recorded 20-plus points in 20 games. He also registered 40-or-more points twice, including a season-high 43 points, eight rebounds, nine assists and two steals at Reno Bighorns. His 43 points rank tied for third in the D-League in scoring performances. Cotton was named D-League Performer of the Week on Feb. 23 after averaging 30.0 points, 5.7 rebounds, 5.3 assists and 1.3 steals last week.
Cotton attended 2014 training camp with the San Antonio Spurs, averaging 4.0 points and 1.5 assists in four games as a reserve. He was waived by the Spurs on Oct. 23.
A native of Tucson, Ariz., Cotton played four seasons at Providence (2010-14). He earned All-Big East First Team honors twice (2013, 2014) and was named the 2014 Big East Tournament Most Outstanding Player. He finished his career ranked fourth all-time in scoring at Providence and became the fifth player from a major conference to average 20-plus points and five-or-more assists in a season since 2002, when he did so as a senior.
Cooley and Cotton become the 15th and 16th D-League Call-Ups in Jazz history, and the fourth and fifth this season. Cooley also becomes the first call-up from the Stampede since the team became the Jazz’s direct affiliate prior to this season.
Cooley will wear uniform #45 for the Jazz while Cotton will wear #8.
Following the moves, the Jazz roster now stands at 15 players.
