USC hires Los Angeles Sparks coach Michael Cooper to oversee women’s basketball team

Michael Cooper to become USC women’s coach

LOS ANGELES — Michael Cooper will leave the Los Angeles Sparks to coach Southern California’s women’s basketball team.

Athletic director Mike Garrett announced Cooper’s hiring Friday.

Cooper will leave the Sparks, who begin play on June 6, after their WNBA season ends in late September or early October.

Assistant coach Ervin Monier will oversee USC’s program until Cooper arrives.

Cooper replaces Mark Trakh, who resigned last month after five seasons.

Cooper is entering his eighth season as the Sparks’ coach after starring with the NBA’s Los Angeles Lakers during the team’s “Showtime” era of the 1980s.