At Providence's Central High School, Cooley played basketball and twice earned Rhode Island Player of the Year honors. After graduating in 1988, Cooley attended the New Hampton School in New Hampton, New Hampshire, for a post-graduate year in 1988–1989.
Cooley played basketball at Providence's Central High School and was recognized as Rhode Island Player of the Year twice. After graduating in 1988, he attended New Hampton School for a post-graduate year from 1988 to 1989.