Emmanuel Sharp Seen as One of the Draft’s Best Defenders Ahead of NBA Selection

Emmanuel Sharp, after four successful seasons with the Houston Cougars, is preparing for the biggest moment of his career so far as he enters the NBA draft. The son of Derrick Sharp is expected to be picked in the second round, which will be held Wednesday into Thursday in Brooklyn, while the first round runs Tuesday into Wednesday at the Nets’ arena.

Chris Cenac Jr., who played with Sharp at Houston, told Sport 5 that Sharp rarely spoke about his father’s career overseas, choosing instead to build his own path. “I am very happy for him and for what he is doing,” Cenac said. “His stock is rising, no doubt, that is how it should be. He is one of the best defenders in the draft. He is a leader and a great scorer. Any team that takes him will get a great player.”

Kingston Flemings, another Houston teammate who is also expected to be a lottery pick, said he had always expected Sharp’s draft stock to rise because of his competitiveness. “You know what you are getting from Emmanuel,” Flemings said. “You get a scorer, someone tough and an excellent defender. He does a great job on defense here, whoever gets Emmanuel will be lucky.” Flemings added that Sharp did not say much about Israel, though he knows his father played there and said he probably needs to ask him more.