Five-star class of 2020 point guard Sharife Cooper announced his commitment to Auburn on Friday night. Cooper chose the Tigers over the Kentucky Wildcats.
It was a surprise announcement, but not a surprise decision. Auburn has long been the favorite to land Cooper, but there was no timetable on a commitment. Friday night while eyes were on the late-night college hoops events at UNC and Louisville, Cooper dropped his decision.
The 6-foot point guard is ranked as the 18th best player in the country via 247Sports Composite rankings. He has been regarded as one of the top point guards in the nation. Cooper possesses a game-changing caliber along with elite quickness and agility.
Cooper attends McEachern High School in Georgia, where he led them to an undefeated season capped off by a state championship last season. He averaged 27.2 PPG, 5.6 RPG, and 8.1 APG during the dominant run. Naturally, he was named Gatorade Georgia Boys Basketball Player of the Year. During this year’s EYBL circuit, Cooper ran with AOT Running Rebels. There he finished 2nd on the circuit in both points and assists, averaging 25.3 PPG and 8.6 APG.
Cooper is Auburn’s second commit in the 2020 class, joining 3-star wing Justin Powell. The lead guard should serve as an ideal fit in Bruce Pearl’s up-and-down system. Cooper’s quickness and complete offensive package will translate well to the college game. The Tigers are heavily pursuing two other top 40 prospects in the 2020 class in Greg Brown and Jaemyn Brakefield.
