Emmanuel Sharp projected near the first round in NBA draft mock

With the NBA draft less than a week away, Israeli interest is focused on two prospects, Noam Yaacov and Emmanuel Sharp, both eligible for selection after strong recent seasons. Sharp played four successful years at Houston in the NCAA, while Yaacov is coming off a standout season with Oostende in Belgium.

NBA analyst John Hollinger ranked the 75 best prospects and placed Sharp at No. 32, just outside the first round. Hollinger said he is probably higher on Sharp than most other projections, but views him as a player whose scoring and defensive potential could stand out in the second round. He acknowledged that scouts may worry about Sharp’s height, but noted that he consistently defended the best opposing player at Houston.

Hollinger added that Sharp is not a point guard and does not drive often, but can shoot on the move from beyond the arc and could help NBA spacing. “He has no chance of becoming a star, that is true, but he looks like a rare player with a high floor,” he said.

Yaacov was ranked No. 57. Hollinger described him as “a big fish in a small pond” last season, pointing to his strong numbers in the Belgian league, which he said is not among Europe’s strongest. He also said Yaacov was not especially impressive at the combine, but was not poor either, and that at 21 he still has room to improve. Hollinger said teams might select him and send him to Utah, where he is committed.