Have you ever watched a basketball player who seems to have eyes in the back of his head? If so, you were probably watching Sharife Cooper. This talented young man has been making waves in the basketball world since he was just a kid in Georgia. Whether it is his lightning-fast passes or his ability to score when it matters most, Sharife is a name every sports fan should know.
In this article, we will dive deep into his life. We will look at where he came from, his time as a college star, and how he is doing in the pros today. By the time you finish reading, you will see why so many people believe he is one of the most exciting guards to watch on the hardwood.
Who is Sharife Cooper?
Sharife Cooper is a professional basketball player known for his incredible speed and passing. He was born on June 11, 2001, which makes him a young star with a bright future. Standing at 6 feet tall, he might not be the tallest player on the court, but he plays with a huge heart. He currently plays for the Washington Wizards on a two-way contract, meaning he also spends time helping their G League team, the Capital City Go-Go.
Growing up in the Atlanta area, Sharife was always surrounded by sports. His family is full of athletes, which helped him develop a “winning first” attitude from a very young age. People often call him “Rife” or “Big Game” because he never shies away from a big moment.
Sharife Cooper Biography Table
| Feature | Details |
| Full Name | Sharife Omar Cooper |
| Date of Birth | June 11, 2001 |
| Birthplace | Newark, New Jersey |
| Height | 6 ft 0 in (183 cm) |
| Weight | 176 lb (80 kg) |
| Current Team | Washington Wizards |
| Position | Point Guard |
| College | Auburn University |
| NBA Draft | 2021 (Round 2, Pick 48) |
| Family | Parents: Omar and Kindall; Sisters: Te’a and Mia; Twin: Omar |
Early Life and High School Glory
Before he was a pro, Sharife Cooper was a legend at McEachern High School in Georgia. He did things there that people still talk about today. In 2019, he led his team to a perfect season! They won 32 games and lost zero. Because of his amazing play, he was named the USA Today Player of the Year.
He was so good that the school actually retired his jersey number 2. This is a very rare honor for a high school player. It showed everyone that he was the best player to ever wear their uniform. During his senior year, he averaged over 30 points per game. He wasn’t just playing; he was dominating every single night.
The Journey to Auburn University
When it came time to pick a college, Sharife Cooper chose Auburn University. This was a huge deal because he was the highest-ranked recruit to ever join the Tigers. Even though he had to wait a few games to start playing due to eligibility rules, his debut was worth the wait. In his very first game against Alabama, he scored 26 points and had 9 assists.
His college stats were mind-blowing. He averaged about 20.2 points and 8.1 assists per game. He was like a magician with the ball. He could find teammates even when they didn’t know they were open. This incredible season led him to be named to the SEC All-Freshman Team.
Entering the 2021 NBA Draft
After showing he was a superstar in college, Sharife Cooper decided to enter the 2021 NBA Draft. The Atlanta Hawks picked him in the second round with the 48th overall pick. For Sharife, this was a dream come true. He got to start his professional career in the same city where he became a high school legend.
Being drafted is just the beginning of the hard work. Many scouts worried about his height and his outside shooting. However, Sharife proved that his passing and basketball IQ were elite. He signed a two-way contract, which allowed him to grow his game while playing against the best in the world.
Professional Career Highlights
Since entering the league, Sharife Cooper has played for a few different teams. After the Hawks, he spent time with the Cleveland Charge in the G League. He was even named to the G League “Next Up” game because he was playing so well. He also took his talents overseas for a short time, playing in China and Europe.
Playing internationally helped him mature. In 2024, he actually won a championship in the Chinese Basketball Association (CBA) with the Liaoning Flying Leopards. Winning a title at any level is a big achievement. It showed that he can lead a team to victory no matter where he is on the globe.
Playing Style and Strengths
What makes Sharife Cooper so special? It is his “virtuosic passing acumen.” That is a fancy way of saying he is one of the best passers you will ever see. He uses his speed to get past defenders and then makes a perfect pass to a teammate for an easy basket.
He is also a master at getting to the free-throw line. Even though he is smaller than most players, he isn’t afraid to drive into the paint. He draws a lot of fouls because defenders can’t keep up with his quickness. Once he is at the line, he usually makes his shots, which helps his team score a lot of points.
Family Ties and Support
The Cooper family is very close-knit. His father, Omar Sr., has been a big part of his basketball journey. His sister, Te’a Cooper, is also a famous basketball player who played in the WNBA. Having a sister who understands the pressure of professional sports has been a great help for Sharife.
They often talk about their “winning mentality.” In the Cooper house, winning comes first. This support system has kept Sharife grounded through the ups and downs of his career. Whether he is having a great game or a tough one, he knows his family is always in his corner.
Current Role with the Washington Wizards
In late 2025, Sharife Cooper joined the Washington Wizards. This was a fresh start for him. He has been playing really well lately, even scoring 18 points in a recent game against the Indiana Pacers. He is showing everyone that he belongs in the NBA.
As a point guard for the Wizards, his job is to run the offense. He makes sure everyone is in the right spot and finds the open man. His shooting has also improved. Recently, he has been hitting 3-point shots much more consistently than he did in college.
Overcoming Challenges and Critics
Every athlete faces critics, and Sharife Cooper is no different. Some people said he was too small to play defense in the NBA. Others said his 3-point shot was “broken.” Instead of listening to the noise, Sharife went to work. He spent hours in the gym getting stronger and practicing his jumper.
In the G League, he proved his doubters wrong by shooting around 36% from deep. This shows his dedication. He knows he has to work harder than the taller players to stay on the court. His resilience is one of the main reasons he is still chasing his NBA dreams today.
What is Next for Sharife Cooper?
The future looks bright for Sharife Cooper. At just 24 years old, he is entering his prime. His goal is to become a full-time starter in the NBA. With his elite passing and improved scoring, he has all the tools to make it happen.
Fans are excited to see how he grows with the Washington Wizards. He has a large following on Instagram, where he shares highlights and parts of his life. People love his style and his passion for the game. We expect to see many more “Big Game” moments from him in the coming years.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What team does Sharife Cooper play for now?
As of 2026, he plays for the Washington Wizards. He is on a two-way contract, so he also plays for their G League affiliate, the Capital City Go-Go.
2. How tall is Sharife Cooper?
He is 6 feet tall (about 183 cm). While small for the NBA, his speed and skill make up for his height.
3. Did Sharife Cooper win a championship?
Yes! He won a CBA championship in 2024 while playing for the Liaoning Flying Leopards in China.
4. Who are Sharife Cooper’s siblings?
He has two sisters, Te’a and Mia, and a twin brother named Omar. His sister Te’a is a former WNBA player.
5. What was Sharife Cooper’s college record?
At Auburn, he averaged 20.2 points and 8.1 assists per game. He was one of the best freshman players in the country.
6. Why did he wear number 2?
He wore number 2 in high school and it was eventually retired because he was so successful there. He currently wears number 13 for the Wizards.
Conclusion
Sharife Cooper is a perfect example of what happens when talent meets hard work. From his perfect high school season to his professional journey across the world, he has never given up. He is a playmaker who makes everyone around him better. Whether you are a fan of the Wizards or just a fan of good basketball, Sharife is a player you should keep your eye on. His story is far from over, and the best is yet to come!
