Robin Roberts, left, says a few words and addresses the media at the statue unveiling as Cynthia Cooper and Lynette Woodard listen intently.

Officially called "The Coop," this area is inspired by some of the great urban courts across the U.S. and designed to emulate their urban feel. Aptly named for the star who grew up playing on the urban courts of Los Angeles, "The Coop" is the newest addition to a long line of Nike facilities named after amazing athletes.

"I must say this is one of those things you never quite expect, but I couldn't be happier," said Cooper. "To have been able to achieve so many of my dreams in basketball and then to have that recognized by a company like Nike is truly an honor. Nike has done so much for basketball and supporting women's sports and I am proud to have my name associated with a company that believes in what I do."

Former New York Liberty center Kym Hampton was in attendance for support and an umbrella.

Cooper helped launch the WNBA and was a cornerstone of the Houston Comets' four-straight WNBA championship teams before retiring after the 2000 season. Prior to that, she helped lead USC to back-to-back NCAA championships in 1983 and 1984. She then took her game overseas playing for various teams in the European League where she led the league in scoring eight times in ten seasons.

So when Nike was looking the right person to bear the name of its newest campus addition, the decision was a no-brainer. Cooper, who has overcome such adversities as losing a teammate (Kim Perrot) and her mother to cancer, stands as a symbol of perseverance and dedication to her sport.

"She is a symbol of the Nike spirit," said Nike Chairman and CEO Phil Knight. "She overcame adversity to reach the pinnacle of her sport, and at the same time brought excitement and vitality to the fledgling WNBA. Her fire and determination will no doubt inspire those who take to these courts for some 'friendly' competition."

"The Coop" consists of two asphalt basketball courts, three volleyball courts (two sand and one asphalt) and a kid's play area's blacktop made entirely of reused athletic shoes. The courts will stand as a tribute to famous urban courts on the East and West coasts, such as such as Rucker Park, Goat Park and Soul in the Hole. Those playing on the West Coast court will be reminded of places such as Kimball Park, Venice Beach and Bushrod Rec Center. Those on the East Coast will think of Cousy Court, Foster Park and the W. 4th Street Courts, among others.

"Now, I'm like Mike. I have my own statue."

Lining the playground are walls that lend to the urban motif. "Tagged" by local artists, the walls exist as a mark of respect to the street art of graffiti. One wall acknowledges where it all started by citing the names of famous urban "ballers." Another wall highlights places that are important to Cooper, like Watts, where she grew up, and USC, her alma mater.

A signature of the new facility will be a life-size bronze statue of Cooper, sculpted by Montana artist Eric Thorsen. Thorsen, commissioned by Nike to create the piece, has been recognized internationally for his work and was on hand to personally unveil the statue to Cooper.

"The Coop" will stand as the outdoor area to Nike's newest sports center and comes as part of a campus-wide expansion effort. Nike added four new buildings to its world headquarters in 1999. Consequently, the company planned an additional athletic facility to account for an influx of more than 2,800 new employees that moved to campus with the expansion. What resulted was the Lance Armstrong Sports and Fitness Center, which was dedicated to its two-time Tour de France champion namesake on Feb 28, 2001.

Nike Chairman and CEO Phil Knight looks on as "The Coop" is dedicated to Coop.

"Come over here and give me a hug!" Robin Roberts congratulates Cynthia Cooper.