Emmanuel Sharp, the son of Maccabi Tel Aviv legend Derrick Sharp, took a major step toward his NBA dream early Thursday morning when the Sacramento Kings selected him 45th overall in the NBA Draft. The pick drew immediate praise in the United States from coaches, former Houston players, fans and draft observers, who viewed him as a strong fit for a rebuilding team.
Sharp, a guard from the University of Houston, was part of a standout Cougars season that ended 30-7, reached the Sweet 16 and produced three draft picks, a school record for one season. He became Houston’s all-time leader in made three-pointers and, in his final college year, averaged 15.5 points, 3 rebounds and 1.2 steals while shooting 37.2 percent from three on more than seven attempts per game.
Houston coach Kelvin Sampson watched the draft in Orlando with Sharp, his family and friends. After receiving a call from Sacramento general manager Scott Perry, Sampson said, “Emmanuel has a path to the floor. They picked him to come and play. It’s a great opportunity for him.” Derrick Sharp also said his son had written a letter in ninth grade about his NBA goal, adding, “When your children realize their dreams, that’s what it’s all about.” He said Emmanuel still has work to do, but “he is there, and he is there to stay.”
Emmanuel Sharp said Sacramento’s pre-draft workout left a strong impression on him and that the choice still felt uncertain until the moment Perry called. “It was a dream come true,” he said, adding that he sees Sacramento as “a great place to be” because the team is trying to build a culture. Around the league, evaluators praised him as a 3-and-D guard who can spread the floor next to first-round pick Darius Acuff Jr. and potentially grow into a valuable bench role. NBA analyst Cameron Salerno said Sacramento needed shooting and that Sharp’s selection “checks that box,” while former Houston teammate Jamal Shead said he comes from a winning program, defends well and shoots at an elite level.
