Sharife Cooper

Sharife Cooper
Cooper in High School
No. 0 – Aris Thessaloniki
PositionPoint guard
LeagueGBL
EuroCup
Personal information
Born (2001-06-11) June 11, 2001 (age 23)
Newark, New Jersey, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)
Listed weight176 lb (80 kg)
Career information
High schoolMcEachern
(Powder Springs, Georgia)
CollegeAuburn (2020–2021)
NBA draft2021: 2nd round, 48th overall pick
Selected by the Atlanta Hawks
Playing career2021–present
Career history
2021–2022Atlanta Hawks
2021–2022→College Park Skyhawks
2022–2024Cleveland Charge
2024Liaoning Flying Leopards
2024Merkezefendi
2024–presentAris Thessaloniki
Career highlights and awards
Stats at NBA.com Edit this at Wikidata
Stats at Basketball Reference Edit this at Wikidata

Sharife Omar Cooper (born June 11, 2001) is an American professional basketball player for Aris Thessaloniki of the Greek Basketball League (GBL) and the EuroCup. He played college basketball for the Auburn Tigers.

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]

College recruiting information
Name Hometown High school / college Height Weight Commit date
Sharife Cooper
PG 		Powder Springs, GA McEachern (GA) 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) 160 lb (73 kg) Sep 27, 2019 
Star ratings: Rivals:5/5 stars   247Sports:5/5 stars    ESPN:5/5 stars   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)

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]

Yukatel Merkezefendi Belediyesi (2024)

On September 28, 2024, Cooper signed with Yukatel Merkezefendi Belediyesi of the Turkish Basketball Super League (BSL).[36]

Aris Thessaloniki (2024–present)

On November 21, 2024, Cooper moved to Greek club Aris for the rest of the season.[37]

Career statistics

Legend
  GP Games 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

Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2021–22 Atlanta 13 0 3.0 .214 .167 – .4 .4 .0 .0 .5
Career 13 0 3.0 .214 .167 – .4 .4 .0 .0 .5

College

Year Team GP GS MPG FG% 3P% FT% RPG APG SPG BPG PPG
2020–21 Auburn 12 12 33.1 .391 .228 .825 4.3 8.1 1.0 .3 20.2

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.[38] 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.[39] He also has a twin brother, Omar.[40]

References

  1. ^ a b 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. Retrieved April 2, 2024.
  35. ^ "Liaoning clinch third consecutive CBA title". China.org.cn. May 23, 2024. Retrieved May 23, 2024.
  36. ^ "Yukatel Merkezefendi'den NBA Patentli Guard Takviyesi: Sharife Cooper". Eurohoops. September 28, 2024. Retrieved September 28, 2024.
  37. ^ "Official: ARIS Midea BC signs Sharife Cooper". Sportando. November 21, 2024. Retrieved November 26, 2024.
  38. ^ Zagoria, Adam (January 21, 2019). "Sharife Cooper Helps Keep McEachern Undefeated, To Visit Duke & Kentucky". FloHoops. Retrieved July 26, 2019.
  39. ^ Te'a Cooper WNBA profile
  40. ^ 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.