Tech men’s basketball coach Pat Knight was on the road recruiting last week when he decided to extend his trip a little longer than planned.

That detour proved fruitful.

Knight landed an oral commitment this weekend from Paul Cooper, a 6-foot-8 power forward from Gulf Coast Community College. Cooper picked Texas Tech just days after Knight returned from visiting him at Gulf Coast.

“I felt comfortable at Tech,” Cooper said. “I felt like I could do what I need to do right away instead of having to adapt to a different situation.”

Cooper is anxious to get on the court. He spent last season backing up Marquis Gilstrap, the Iowa State senior who was named the 2009 Preseason Big 12 Newcomer of the Year. Cooper led Gulf Coast, shooting 57.5 percent from the field, but because of his reserve role had just 3.8 points and 3.5 rebounds per game.

That didn’t keep college coaches from paying attention when he stepped on the court. Cooper was recruited by teams in the ACC, Big 12 and Conference USA, but narrowed his choices to Tech and Central Florida.

Cooper came into Gulf Coast somewhat out of shape, and knew it. He said he looked at two junior colleges, and chose the Commodores because they had the better weight room.

Getting into the best possible shape, and staying there, is his top priority as Gulf Coast tries to improve on last year’s 24-9 overall finish.

That run, which ended as the Florida Community College state runner-up, got a big boost from Tech junior Brad Reese. Reese averaged 16.4 points per game, starting in 32 of his 33 appearances.

“I’ve got to stay strong, because as the game becomes easier you play opponents who seem a lot weaker,” Cooper said. “When I’m strong, it’s easier for me to do what I’ve got to do.”

He made an official visit to UCF this weekend, returning Sunday night. Shortly thereafter, he called the Tech coaches and committed to be a Red Raider. He said his official visit to Tech earlier this month clinched his choice.

“I watched them practice, and I saw where I fit in,” he said. “They need a post and that’s me.”

Unlike Gilstrap, a versatile athlete who can play any position from point to post, Cooper is a true forward. He said his biggest strength is defending with his back to the basket, using his strength to move people around on the court.

“I like to bang; that’s my thing,” Cooper said. “I like to get in there and bang some bodies around, score.”

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