HOMETOWN HERO IMMORTALIZED: Maine Town Honors Duke Star Cooper with Statue After Record-Breaking Career
In a heartwarming and historic celebration, the quiet town of Bar Harbor, Maine, has etched the name of its most famous son into the annals of history. After an unforgettable, record-breaking career at Duke University, hometown hero Jackson Cooper has been honored with a life-sized statue, a dedicated street, and an official “Jackson Cooper Day” — cementing his place not just in basketball lore, but in the hearts of those who watched him rise from local legend to national icon.
Cooper, who became a household name during his four-year run at Duke, led the Blue Devils to two Final Fours and shattered multiple program records — including career assists, steals, and free throw percentage. Known for his poise, leadership, and relentless work ethic, he quickly became a fan favorite and one of the most respected players in the nation.
Now, his hometown has given him a tribute worthy of his accomplishments. Hundreds of residents, fans, and dignitaries gathered in Bar Harbor’s downtown square to unveil a bronze statue of Cooper in mid-dribble, captured in his iconic #3 Duke jersey. The statue stands in front of the newly renamed “Cooper Court,” a community basketball facility where the rising star first picked up the ball.
> “Jackson has always made us proud,” said Mayor Elaine Whitmore during the unveiling ceremony. “But more than the wins and records, it’s his humility, his loyalty, and his love for this community that we celebrate today.”
Cooper, visibly emotional, stood alongside his family and former Duke teammates as the curtain was pulled from the statue.
> “This is more than I ever dreamed,” he said. “I left Bar Harbor to chase a dream, but I never left the people who shaped me. This town raised me, and I’ll always carry it with me — no matter where I go.”
In addition to the statue and renamed court, Bar Harbor’s city council also issued a proclamation declaring July 16th as “Jackson Cooper Day”, to be celebrated annually with youth basketball clinics, community events, and a scholarship fund in Cooper’s name to support local student-athletes.
At Duke, Cooper left an undeniable legacy. He was a two-time All-American, ACC Player of the Year, and helped the Blue Devils maintain their dominance on the national stage. But those who knew him in Maine remember the kid who stayed late at the gym, mentored younger players, and always stopped to sign autographs after high school games.
Former Duke Head Coach Jon Scheyer attended the ceremony and praised Cooper’s character:
> “Jackson’s greatness on the court is undeniable, but his impact as a teammate and a leader is what set him apart. This honor is richly deserved.”
As Jackson Cooper prepares for his next chapter — potentially in the NBA or overseas — his roots remain firmly planted in Bar Harbor. The statue now stands not just as a tribute to his athletic prowess, but as a beacon of inspiration for generations to come.
From small-town courts to Cameron Indoor Stadium and beyond, Jackson Coope
r’s legacy is just beginning.
