The journey from college stardom to NBA opportunity is rarely straightforward, but for Sharife Cooper, persistence has finally paid off. The former Auburn standout reached a major milestone in his professional career this week, earning his first-ever NBA start with the Washington Wizards in a matchup against the Detroit Pistons.
After years of navigating the G League, international basketball, and short-term contracts, Cooper’s name in the starting lineup represents both a personal breakthrough and a testament to his resilience. According to reports, the opportunity marked the first start of his NBA career, with the young guard stepping into a larger role amid Washington’s rebuilding season.
Cooper’s rise to this moment traces back to his electrifying college career at Auburn Tigers men’s basketball. During the 2020–21 season, he quickly became one of the most dynamic guards in college basketball, averaging 20.2 points and 8.1 assists per game despite playing just 12 games. His debut alone — a 26-point, nine-assist performance — showcased the elite playmaking ability that made him a five-star recruit and a McDonald’s All-American.
Even with early NCAA eligibility issues delaying his freshman debut, Cooper’s impact was undeniable. His vision, ball-handling, and scoring instincts turned Auburn into must-watch basketball, and he ultimately earned SEC All-Freshman Team honors before declaring for the 2021 NBA Draft.
Selected 48th overall by the Atlanta Hawks, Cooper’s early professional years were defined by development rather than immediate stardom. He split time between the NBA and G League, working to refine his game while adjusting to the speed and physicality of the professional level.
His career path soon became global. Cooper played in China, Turkey, Greece, and France, even helping the Liaoning Flying Leopards capture a championship in 2024 with a standout finals performance. These international stops helped him grow as a player, adding maturity and experience that would later prove valuable.
In September 2025, Cooper signed a two-way deal with Washington, giving him another shot at the NBA. Throughout the 2025–26 season, he has shown flashes of his offensive potential, averaging strong per-minute production, including scoring and playmaking contributions when given extended minutes.
That development culminated in his first start — a moment that symbolizes how far he has come since his Auburn days. In that game, Cooper made an immediate impact, delivering an efficient scoring performance and contributing across the stat sheet, proving he belongs at this level.
For the Wizards, a franchise focused on youth and experimentation, Cooper’s emergence offers another intriguing piece for the future. For Cooper himself, it’s a long-awaited validation.
After years of grinding through different leagues and roles, the former Auburn star has finally stepped into the spotlight — not just as a participant in the NBA, but as a starter with something to prove.