Photo: KWC Athletics

OWENSBORO, KY — Kentucky Wesleyan College head men’s basketball coach Drew Cooper will take the Panthers’ name onto the international stage next summer after being selected to coach the USA U23 team at the 2027 Barbados Basketball Festival.

The festival is scheduled for July 6–12, 2027, in Barbados, with tournament games running July 7–11. The event will bring together teams from several age groups, ranging from U14 through U23.

Cooper will serve through PhD Hoops, an organization that creates opportunities for coaches and players to participate in international basketball competition. The assignment will give him a chance to coach under FIBA rules and face teams with different styles of play.

“I’m excited to coach in a different atmosphere with FIBA rules and against teams that are doing unique things on the floor,” Cooper said. “I’m looking forward to representing Kentucky Wesleyan and even our nation next summer.”

Cooper also credited PhD Hoops founder Richie Schueler for the opportunity and said he believes in the organization’s mission.

Schueler said Cooper’s leadership and character were important factors in bringing him onto the coaching staff.

“Everything we’ve learned about Coach Cooper screams winner, leader, and man of character, which are all qualities we look for in our coaches,” Schueler said. “I’m excited to add him to our staff and give our young athletes an incredible international experience.”

A Decade of Building the Panthers

Cooper enters his ninth season leading Kentucky Wesleyan and has built a strong record across his collegiate coaching career. He owns a 215-141 record over 13 seasons as a head coach and has earned conference Coach of the Year honors three times.

His time at Kentucky Wesleyan includes the Panthers’ 2024 Great Midwest Athletic Conference regular-season championship and the program’s first NCAA Division II Tournament appearance since 2017.

Kentucky Wesleyan Vice President of Intercollegiate Athletics Jason Vittone said the selection reflects positively on Cooper and the program.

“This is a well-deserved honor for Coach Cooper and a great reflection on our basketball program,” Vittone said. “Drew represents Kentucky Wesleyan with class and competitiveness every day, and this is a tremendous opportunity.”

The festival adds an international assignment to Cooper’s coaching résumé as he prepares for another season with the Panthers. Next summer, he’ll have the opportunity to lead a U.S. team while representing both Kentucky Wesleyan and his country on the court.