Fred Cooper

From Hoopedia

Fred Cooper (? - ?) was an American basketball player in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. In 1896 he became professional basketball's first highest-paid player. He was born in England and played soccer before turning his attention to the new indoor game, basket ball.

He learned to play basketball at the Trenton YMCA. His team, who came to be known as The Trentons, scheduled a game against the Brooklyn YMCA team at the Trenton Masonic Temple on November 7, 1896. After covering their expenses, the Trentons divided the remainder of the gate and became the first professional basketball team. Each player received $15; by virtue of also being the organizer and captain (who, in those days before coaches, served as a coach), Fred Cooper received $16, thereby becoming basketball's first "highest paid player."

He continued to play basketball as the game evolved. The Trentons played in the National Basket Ball League, the first pro league.

He played for the Trenton Potters in the Eastern Basket Ball League from 1910 to 1915, scoring 469 points in 68 games.

With the Trentons, Fred played with his brother Al Cooper, an early scorer of some note.