Sharife Cooper

Last updated

Sharife Cooper
Sharife Cooper (cropped).jpg
Cooper with McEachern High School in 2019
No. 0–Liaoning Flying Leopards
Position Point guard
League CBA
Personal information
Born (2001-06-11) June 11, 2001 (age 22)
Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Listed weight176 lb (80 kg)
Career information
High school McEachern
(Powder Springs, Georgia)
College Auburn (2020–2021)
NBA draft 2021: 2nd round, 48th overall pick
Selected by the Atlanta Hawks
Playing career2021–present
Career history
2021–2022 Atlanta Hawks
2021–2022 →College Park Skyhawks
2022–2024 Cleveland Charge
2024–present Liaoning Flying Leopards
Career highlights and awards
Stats   OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg at NBA.com
Stats   OOjs UI icon edit-ltr-progressive.svg at Basketball-Reference.com

Sharife Omar Cooper (born June 11, 2001) is an American professional basketball player for the Liaoning Flying Leopards of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). He played college basketball for the Auburn Tigers.

Contents

High school career

In his freshman season in 2016–17, Cooper averaged 16 points and 4.4 assists per game, leading McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Georgia to a 29–1 record and an appearance in the Georgia High School Association (GHSA) Class 7A state semifinals. The following year, he led the Indians to a state quarterfinals appearance while posting a 26–3 record. [1] He received considerable media attention in December 2017 for his 42-point performance against Jahvon Quinerly and nationally ranked Hudson Catholic Regional High School in the quarterfinals of the City of Palms Classic. He scored the game-winning buzzer-beater in an 83–81 overtime victory. [1] [2] [3]

As a junior in 2018–19, Cooper led McEachern to a perfect 32–0 record and the first state title in school history while averaging 27.2 points, 8.1 assists, 5.6 rebounds and 4.3 steals per game. In the title-game win over Meadowcreek, he scored 20 points and dished four assists as McEachern finished ranked No. 1 in three national polls. [4] He picked up most valuable player (MVP) honors at several tournaments, including the City of Palms Classic and Tournament of Champions. [5] After the season, he was named USA Today All-USA Player of the Year, MaxPreps National Player of the Year, Mr. Georgia Basketball, and Georgia's Gatorade Player of the Year. [6] [7] [8] [9] He also earned USA Today All-USA first team and Naismith All-American second team honors. [10] Cooper was selected to play in the 2020 McDonald's All-American Boys Game on January 23, 2020. [11] On May 6, 2021, Cooper's #2 high school jersey number was retired at McEachern where he was honored as the most decorated male basketball player in school history. [12]

Recruiting

A consensus five-star recruit, Cooper was considered one of the top prospects in his class. On September 27, 2019, he committed to play college basketball for Auburn, becoming the highest-ranked recruit and the second five-star recruit in program history. [13]

US college sports recruiting information for high school athletes
NameHometownHigh school / collegeHeightWeightCommit date
Sharife Cooper
PG 		Powder Springs, GA McEachern (GA)6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)160 lb (73 kg)Sep 27, 2019 
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A    Rivals: 5 stars.svg     247Sports: 5 stars.svg     ESPN: 5 stars.svg    ESPN grade: 94
Overall recruiting rankings:   Rivals: 22   247Sports: 27   ESPN: 20
  • Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height and weight.
  • In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale.

Sources:

  • "Auburn 2020 Basketball Commitments". Rivals.com. Retrieved October 14, 2020.
  • "2020 Auburn Tigers Recruiting Class". ESPN.com. Retrieved October 14, 2020.
  • "2020 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved October 14, 2020.

College career

Cooper missed the first 12 games of his freshman season due to a National Collegiate Athletic Association investigation into his eligibility. During that time, he explored professional options. [14] On January 9, 2021, he made his Auburn debut, recording 26 points, nine assists and four rebounds in a 94–90 loss to Alabama. [15] Four days later, Cooper posted a season-high 28 points, 12 assists and five rebounds in a 95–77 win over Georgia. [16] As a freshman, he averaged 20.2 points, 8.1 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game through 12 appearances, earning Southeastern Conference All-Freshman Team honors. On April 2, 2021, Cooper declared for the 2021 NBA draft, forgoing his remaining college eligibility. [17]

Professional career

Atlanta Hawks (2021–2022)

Cooper was selected in the second round of the 2021 NBA draft with the 48th pick by the Atlanta Hawks. [18] On August 5, 2021, he signed a two-way contract with the Hawks, splitting time with their NBA G League affiliate, the College Park Skyhawks. [19] He played for the Hawks in the 2021 NBA Summer League, recording 11 points on 5–11 shooting, and 6 assists in 28 minutes at his debut in a 85–83 loss against the Boston Celtics. [20] Cooper made his NBA debut in the Hawks' season opener against the Dallas Mavericks, going 0-for-3 from the field in a 113–87 win. [21]

Cooper joined the Hawks' 2022 NBA Summer League roster. [22] On July 22, 2022, Cooper re-signed with the Hawks on another two-way deal. [23] He was waived three days later. [24]

Cleveland Charge (2022–2024)

On September 20, 2022, Cooper signed with the Cleveland Cavaliers, [25] but was waived on October 15. [26] On October 24, he joined the Cleveland Charge's training camp roster. [27] Cooper was named to the G League's inaugural Next Up Game for the 2022–23 season. [28]

In July 2023, Cooper joined the Cleveland Cavaliers for the 2023 NBA Summer League and on September 13, 2023, he re-signed with the Cavaliers. [29] However, he was waived on October 21 [30] and one week later re-signed with the Charge. [31]

On February 26, 2024, Cooper signed a 10-day contract with the Cavaliers, [32] although he failed to make an appearance. On March 7, he returned to the Charge. [33]

Liaoning Flying Leopards (2024–present)

On April 1, 2024, Cooper signed with the Liaoning Flying Leopards of the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA). [34] He helped the Flying Leopards win the 2024 CBA championship, recording 22 points, nine assists, and six rebounds off the bench in their title-clinching Game 4 victory over the Xinjiang Flying Tigers. [35]

Career statistics

Legend
  GPGames played  GS Games started MPG Minutes per game
 FG%  Field goal percentage 3P%  3-point field goal percentage FT%  Free throw percentage
 RPG  Rebounds per game APG  Assists per game SPG  Steals per game
 BPG  Blocks per game PPG Points per game Bold Career high

NBA

YearTeamGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
2021–22 Atlanta 1303.0.214.167–.4.4.0.0.5
Career1303.0.214.167–.4.4.0.0.5

College

YearTeamGPGSMPGFG%3P%FT%RPGAPGSPGBPGPPG
2020–21 Auburn 121233.1.391.228.8254.38.11.0.320.2

Personal life

Cooper was born in Newark, New Jersey to Omar and Kindall Cooper, and the family moved to the Atlanta area when he was around the age of six. [36] He has two sisters, Te'a and Mia, who both won state titles at McEachern, while Te'a continued on to play at Tennessee, South Carolina and Baylor before being drafted by the Phoenix Mercury in the 2020 WNBA draft. [37] He also has a twin brother, Omar. [38]

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jarrett Jack</span> American basketball player and coach

Jarrett Matthew Jack is an American professional basketball coach and former player and an assistant coach for the Detroit Pistons of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He attended four high schools in North Carolina, Maryland and Massachusetts before playing collegiately at Georgia Tech. He was selected with the 22nd overall pick in the 2005 NBA draft by the Denver Nuggets, before playing with the Portland Trail Blazers, Indiana Pacers, Toronto Raptors, New Orleans Hornets, Golden State Warriors, Cleveland Cavaliers, Brooklyn Nets, New Orleans Pelicans, and New York Knicks.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">McEachern High School</span> Public high school in Powder Springs, Georgia, United States

John McEachern High School or McEachern High School is a public high school established in 1908 in Powder Springs, Georgia, United States. It was originally established as the Seventh District Agricultural and Mechanical School. Due to its history, McEachern has an open campus, with its buildings spaced across the property. It is one of 17 high schools in Cobb County School District.

The 1996–97 NBA season was the Hawks' 48th season in the National Basketball Association, and 29th season in Atlanta. During this season, Hawks owner Ted Turner was the then-vice chairman of Time Warner after acquiring Turner Broadcasting System. In an effort to improve their team, the Hawks strengthened their defense by signing free agent All-Star center Dikembe Mutombo. During the off-season, the team signed free agents Tyrone Corbin and Willie Burton; Corbin previously played for the Hawks during the 1994–95 season. The team also signed Eldridge Recasner and former Georgia Tech guard Jon Barry.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Seth Curry</span> American basketball player (born 1990)

Seth Adham Curry is an American professional basketball player for the Charlotte Hornets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for one year at Liberty University before transferring to Duke. He is the son of former NBA player Dell Curry and the younger brother of NBA player Stephen Curry. He currently ranks eighth in NBA history in career three-point field goal percentage.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Quinn Cook</span> American basketball player (born 1993)

Quinn Alexander Cook is an American professional basketball player who last played for the Cangrejeros de Santurce of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN). He played college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils and was one of the top rated basketball recruits in the class of 2011. Cook won the 2015 NCAA national championship with Duke, and won two NBA championships, one with the Golden State Warriors in 2018 and one with the Los Angeles Lakers in 2020. He has also played for the Dallas Mavericks, the New Orleans Pelicans, and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mike Scott (basketball)</span> American basketball player

James Michael Scott is an American professional basketball player for LDLC ASVEL of the French LNB Pro A and the EuroLeague. He played college basketball for the Virginia Cavaliers, before being taken in the second round of the 2012 NBA draft, and spending ten seasons in the NBA.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Justin Holiday</span> American basketball player (born 1989)

Justin Alaric Holiday is an American professional basketball player for the Denver Nuggets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Washington Huskies. He won an NBA championship with the Golden State Warriors in 2015.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot</span> French basketball player (born 1995)

Timothé Luwawu-Cabarrot is a French professional basketball player for LDLC ASVEL of the French LNB Pro A and the EuroLeague. He was selected 24th overall pick by the Philadelphia 76ers in the 2016 NBA draft.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Daniel Hamilton (basketball)</span> American basketball player (born 1995)

Daniel Domonique Hamilton is an American professional basketball player for Club Malvín of the Liga Uruguaya de Básquetbol (LUB). He played college basketball for the Connecticut Huskies, and earned second-team all-conference honors in the American Athletic Conference (AAC) as a sophomore. After he decided to forgo his remaining two years of college eligibility, Hamilton was selected in the second round of the 2016 NBA draft by the Denver Nuggets. His draft rights later were traded to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jordan Bell</span> American basketball player (born 1995)

Jordan Trennie Bell is an American professional basketball player for the Leones de Ponce of the Baloncesto Superior Nacional (BSN). He played college basketball for the Oregon Ducks. As a junior in 2017, Bell earned second-team all-conference honors in the Pac-12, when he was also named the conference's Defensive Player of the Year. He was drafted in the second round of the 2017 NBA draft by the Chicago Bulls. Bell won his first championship in his rookie season when the Warriors defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2018.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Marques Bolden</span> American-Indonesian basketball player

Marques "Joyo" Terrell Bolden is an American-Indonesian professional basketball player for the Charlotte Hornets of the National Basketball Association (NBA), on a two-way contract with the Greensboro Swarm of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Duke Blue Devils.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jaylen Morris</span> American basketball player

Jaylen Morris is an American professional basketball player who last played for Raptors 905 of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for Molloy College in the NCAA Division II.

Paul Watson Jr. is an American professional basketball player the Austin Spurs of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Fresno State Bulldogs.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Bryce Brown (basketball)</span> American basketball player

Bryce Wade Brown is an American professional basketball player for JL Bourg of the LNB Pro A. He played college basketball for the Auburn Tigers and was the leading scorer for the Tigers first ever Final Four team.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Dylan Windler</span> American basketball player

Dylan Windler is an American professional basketball player for the Atlanta Hawks of the National Basketball Association (NBA), on a two-way contract with the College Park Skyhawks of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Belmont Bruins.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Isaac Okoro</span> American basketball player (born 2001)

Isaac Nnamdi Okoro is an American professional basketball player for the Cleveland Cavaliers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Auburn Tigers. Listed at 6 feet 5 inches (1.96 m) and 225 pounds (102 kg), he plays the small forward position.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Armoni Brooks</span> American basketball player

Armoni Daetrell Brooks is an American professional basketball player for the San Diego Clippers of the NBA G League. He played college basketball for the Houston Cougars.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Te'a Cooper</span> American basketball player

Te'a Omari Cooper is an American professional basketball player who is a free agent in the Women's National Basketball Association (WNBA). She played for the Los Angeles Sparks. She played college basketball for the Baylor Lady Bears, South Carolina Gamecocks, and the Tennessee Volunteers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jabari Smith Jr.</span> American basketball player (born 2003)

Jabari Montsho Smith Jr. is an American professional basketball player for the Houston Rockets of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Auburn Tigers.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Justin Powell</span> American basketball player

Justin Tyler Powell is an American professional basketball player for the Cleveland Charge of the NBA G League. He played college basketball player for the Washington State Cougars, the Tennessee Volunteers and Auburn Tigers.

References

  1. 1 2 Cordova, David (June 6, 2018). "Hoop With Coop: A Point Guard from Georgia Gives The World An Introduction". Dave's Joint. Retrieved July 27, 2019.
  2. ↑ Ostrander, Lynden (December 21, 2017). "Sharife Cooper's 42-point performance highlights early going at City of Palms Classic". MaxPreps. Retrieved July 27, 2019.
  3. ↑ Young, Justin (December 20, 2017). "Cooper Has Epic Outing in OT McEachern Win". HoopSeen. Retrieved July 27, 2019.
  4. ↑ Holcomb, Todd (March 12, 2019). "AAAAAAA basketball blog: McEachern, Westlake finish unbeaten, nationally ranked". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution . Retrieved July 28, 2019.
  5. ↑ Divens, Jordan (January 31, 2019). "Sharife Cooper leads race for high school basketball player of the year honors". MaxPreps . Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  6. ↑ Jordan, Jason (April 2, 2019). "2018–19 ALL-USA Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Sharife Cooper, McEachern". USA Today . Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  7. ↑ Divens, Jordan (April 11, 2019). "MaxPreps 2018–19 Boys Basketball Player of the Year: Sharife Cooper". MaxPreps . Retrieved January 31, 2021.
  8. ↑ Bednarowski, John (March 28, 2019). "Sharife Cooper named Mr. Georgia Basketball by Atlanta Tipoff Club". Marietta Daily Journal . Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  9. ↑ Holcomb, Todd (March 15, 2019). "McEachern's Cooper wins Gatorade boys player of year award". The Atlanta Journal-Constitution . Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  10. ↑ Carrington, Adam (March 8, 2019). "McEachern's Sharife Cooper named second-team All-American". Marietta Daily Journal . Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  11. ↑ "Four UNC signees dot All-American Game rosters". ESPN.com. January 23, 2020. Retrieved January 23, 2020.
  12. ↑ "Look Sharife Cooper has high school number retired". auburnwire.usatoday.com. May 9, 2021. Retrieved May 9, 2021.
  13. ↑ Green, Tom (September 27, 2019). "5-star point guard Sharife Cooper commits to Auburn". AL.com. Retrieved September 27, 2019.
  14. ↑ Borzello, Jeff (January 9, 2021). "Auburn Tigers freshman Sharife Cooper cleared by NCAA, to make debut Saturday". ESPN . Retrieved April 16, 2021.
  15. ↑ Han, Giana (January 9, 2021). "Sharife Cooper's debut encouraging for Auburn despite loss". AL.com . Retrieved April 16, 2021.
  16. ↑ "Cooper dominant again as Auburn beats Georgia 95–77". ESPN . Associated Press. January 13, 2021. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
  17. ↑ "Auburn's Sharife Cooper to enter NBA draft, hire agent". NBA.com. Associated Press. April 2, 2021. Retrieved April 16, 2021.
  18. ↑ Vivlamore, Chris (August 1, 2021). "Driveway competition just the way for Sharife Cooper to start NBA career". Atlanta Journal-Constitution . Retrieved August 2, 2021.
  19. ↑ "Hawks Sign 2021 Draft Picks Jalen Johnson and Sharife Cooper". NBA.com. August 5, 2021. Retrieved August 5, 2021.
  20. ↑ "Boston Celtics vs Atlanta Hawks Aug 8, 2021 Box Scores". NBA.com. Retrieved August 8, 2021.
  21. ↑ "Dallas Mavericks vs Atlanta Hawks Oct 21, 2021 Box Scores". NBA.com. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
  22. ↑ "Atlanta Hawks 2022 NBA2K23 Summer League Roster". NBA.com. Retrieved July 20, 2022.
  23. ↑ "Hawks Re-Sign Sharife Cooper To Two-Way Deal". Hoops Rumors. July 22, 2022. Retrieved July 23, 2022.
  24. ↑ "Breaking: Atlanta Hawks Waive Player". SI.com. July 25, 2022. Retrieved July 25, 2022.
  25. ↑ Gauruder, Dana (September 20, 2022). "Sharife Cooper Signs Camp Deal With Cavs". HoopsRumors.com. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  26. ↑ "Cavaliers Waive Five Players". NBA.com. October 15, 2022. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  27. ↑ "Charge 2022 Training Camp Roster". NBA.com. October 24, 2022. Retrieved October 24, 2022.
  28. ↑ "Wolves' Garza And Ignite's Henderson Named Captains For NBA G League Next Up Game". NBA.com. February 7, 2023. Retrieved March 8, 2023.
  29. ↑ "Cavaliers Sign Sharife Cooper, Pete Nance, and Justin Powell to Training Camp Roster". NBA.com. September 13, 2023. Retrieved September 13, 2023.
  30. ↑ Hill, Arthur (October 21, 2023). "Cavaliers Waive Seven Players". HoopsRumors.com. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  31. ↑ "Cleveland Charge 2023 Training Camp Roster". NBA.com. October 28, 2023. Retrieved October 30, 2023.
  32. ↑ "Cavaliers Sign Sharife Cooper to 10-Day Contract". NBA.com. February 26, 2024. Retrieved February 26, 2024.
  33. ↑ "2023-2024 Cleveland Charge Transaction History". RealGM.com. Retrieved March 7, 2024.
  34. ↑ Skerletic, Dario (April 2, 2024). "Sharife Cooper signs with Liaoning Flying Leopards". Sportando.basketball. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  35. ↑ "Liaoning clinch third consecutive CBA title". China.org.cn . May 23, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
  36. ↑ Zagoria, Adam (January 21, 2019). "Sharife Cooper Helps Keep McEachern Undefeated, To Visit Duke & Kentucky". FloHoops. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  37. ↑ Te'a Cooper WNBA profile
  38. ↑ Conley, Tyhi (April 27, 2019). "Boys Basketball Player of the Year: McEachern's Sharife Cooper shines the brightest". Marietta Daily Journal . Retrieved July 26, 2019.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.