 Cooper also played two more years in the New Zealand NBL (2005 with Manawatu, and 2009 with the Hawke's Bay Hawks), and spent six years playing in the South Australian State League for the Norwood Flames between 2006 and 2011.In 2012, Cooper became an assistant coach for the Norwood Flames.He became head coach the following year, winning Central ABL Coach of the Year honours in 2014.