Men's Basketball Welcomes Cooper Knowles

NASHVILLE, Tenn. - - Belmont University men's basketball head coach Evan Bradds announced Thursday the signing of Cooper Knowles to play basketball for the Bruins, starting with summer 2026 enrollment.
 
"Cooper is a true diamond in the rough and a remarkable signing for us at this stage," Bradds said. "His athleticism, competitiveness, and perimeter skills for a big man are rare. Cooper possesses an inner drive to maximize his potential, and his passion for the game fits our established program culture. Our coaching staff and players cannot wait to get on the court with Cooper this summer."
 
Knowles averaged 19.3 points and 10.1 rebounds per game on 58 percent shooting as a senior for West Hancock High School. He was named 2026 Class 2A All-State by the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association (IBCA) and the Illinois High School Association (IHSA)
 
The 6-10 forward also ranked among the top shot blockers in the nation and the state of Illinois last season, averaging 5.5 blocked shots per game.
 
He was named Tournament Most Valuable Player over three non-conference tournaments this past season in leading the Titans to a 27-8 record and a sectional title game appearance.
 
Knowles recorded over 1000 points, 700 rebounds, and 400 blocked shots in his high school career.
 
A native of Niota, Illinois – the confluence of the Mississippi River with the states of Illinois, Iowa, and Missouri – Knowles played AAU basketball for Midwest Prospect Academy.
 
Belmont University men's basketball has been a postseason fixture for the last two decades, including nine berths to the NCAA Tournament. The Bruins have won 21 conference championships since 2006 - third-most nationally over that span (behind Gonzaga and Kansas). Belmont has won 20 or more games in 16 consecutive seasons (alongside Gonzaga and Kansas) and 19 or more games in 21 consecutive seasons (alongside Gonzaga, Kansas, and San Diego State). Belmont is among select programs with two or more first-round selections in the NBA Draft over the last six years (Ben Sheppard, Dylan Windler). Belmont University men's basketball boasts an NCAA-leading 20 Academic All-America selections since 2001 and is the only NCAA Division I program to make the NCAA Academic Progress Rate (APR) Honor Roll every year of its existence. Belmont is the only NCAA Division I institution in America whose men's and women's basketball programs have won 20 or more games in 11 consecutive seasons.
 
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