- Ben Hall
Point guard Sharife Cooper has proven he's a true point guard ready for the next level
Although Sharife Cooper did not make the USA Men's U19 World Cup Team, it was a great learning experience for him.
“U19 training camp was great,” Cooper said. “I wish it could've turned out differently but all things happen for a reason. It makes me want to work even harder now.”
Throughout the camp, Cooper was showing off his ability to get to the basket and his passing skills. On the final day before the finalists were selected, Cooper had the best practice of all the guards.
Cooper is a five star point guard from Marietta, Georgia. He is a highly looked up to point guard throughout the country.
“It means a lot knowing a lot of kids are looking up to me and inspiring themselves because of what I've been able to accomplish it makes me want to work ever harder,” Cooper said.
Since his freshman year, Cooper has been a standout player and has been catching the attention of college coaches. He has offers from Auburn, Kentucky, Seton Hall, Tennessee, Ole Miss, UCLA, Texas A&M, and many others. He will probably be making his decision sometime before his senior season.
In Cooper’s final day at the USA Men's U19 Training Camp, it was the first day that college coaches were able to be there and watch the camp. Cooper showed he could play with kids older than him and that already have college experience. He is a true point guard that will be a big time competitor as soon as he arrives on campus.
Cooper plays in the Nike EYBL with AOT Running Rebels during the summer. This summer he has averaged 25.5 points per game and has stood out as one of the best players in the EYBL.
He attends McEachern High School in Powder Springs, Georgia. This past season he led them to a 7A Georgia Basketball State Championship. Heading into his senior year at McEachern, they will have a great chance at winning another state championship. But right now that is not Cooper’s focus.
“I’m focused on AAU right now,” Cooper said. “Once this is over then I'll be able to really focus on high school.”
