When you think of an elite shooter with a smooth, automatic jump shot, one of college basketball’s deadliest perimeter scorers, who pops into your head? Go ahead, take a guess. If you’re keeping up with the NCAA scene, there’s no way Emanuel Sharp isn’t on your list. This guy isn’t just a bucket-getter; he’s a two-way weapon and one of Houston’s most vital pieces as they push for a deep postseason run in 2024-25.
And honestly, it makes total sense. Basketball is quite literally in his DNA. He grew up surrounded by the game, breathed it in like oxygen, and turned that love into his career. With parents who were both hoopers themselves, Emanuel was destined to make noise on the hardwood. And he’s making them very proud.
Who is Emanuel Sharp’s father Derrick? Was he a basketball player?
Derrick Sharp wasn’t just a basketball player—he was THAT guy in Israeli hoops. A true Maccabi Tel Aviv legend, Derrick played for the team from 1996 to 2011, winning 13 national championships. And if you need proof of his clutch gene, just look up his insane game-tying buzzer-beater in the 2004 EuroLeague playoffs.
Derrick also made history with Maccabi Tel Aviv in 2005 when they shocked the Toronto Raptors in a preseason game. Imagine flying across the world and taking down an NBA team?
After hanging up his sneakers, Derrick transitioned into coaching, first as an assistant at Maccabi and later as the head coach for none other than his son, Emanuel, at Bishop McLaughlin Catholic High School in Florida. Emanuel grew up in the locker room, soaking in the game from an early age. “Everybody knew my dad, and they knew me,” he once told JHV. “Kids would ask for pictures with me just because I was his son.”
Born in Tel Aviv in 2004, Emanuel also has three brothers, Gabriel, Noah and Derrick Jr., and a sister, Maya. His family lived in Israel until he was nine before his family moved to Florida. But his connection to the country never faded. He played for Israel’s U16 national team in high school, getting valuable international experience against some of Europe’s top young talent.
And if the stars align, he’s open to repping Israel again. “If the timing is right,” he said. “The summers are busy with Houston, but I’d love to do it.” And when asked about playing professionally in Israel, “It’s a beautiful country,” he said. So, we never know. Maybe we could see him following his father’s footsteps. Or wait, he could also follow his mother’s path.
Who is Emanuel Sharp’s mother Justine? Was she a professional athlete?
Emanuel’s mom, Justine Ellison Sharp, was also a baller. She is from Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, and absolutely cooked during her time at the University of Toronto. We’re talking two national silver medals and a National University Women’s Athlete of the Year award in 1995-96. J
Justine was inducted into the University of Toronto Varsity Blues Hall of Fame in 2009, cementing her legacy. But she didn’t stop there, she took her talents to the pro level and played for a decade in Israel. And that’s where she met Derrick. Classic Love & Basketball!
Having hooper parents, Sharp has always embraced his upbringing. “I grew up around professional basketball,” he told PaperCity Mag in 2023. “That’s really all I know. When your parents are hoopers, you just naturally love the game even more.” And he has he lived up to the family legacy. His freshman season (2021-22) was a redshirt year, but by the time 2023-24 rolled around, he was making major noise. He averaged 12.6 points over 37 games and had some monster performances.
The recent one was when showed up big-time in the Big 12 tournament, leading Houston to the title and snagging the Most Outstanding Player award. Now, the Cougars are heading into a Final Four showdown against Duke. Big-time players show up in big-time moments, and Sharp is that athlete. Hope he continues to bring that energy.
What is Emanuel Sharp’s parents’ nationality?
Sharp’s dad Derrick is an Israeli. There is no confirmation on Sharp’s mother’s nationality although she is a native of Toronto. So, with a dad from Israel and a mom from Canada, Emanuel’s Sharp’s nationality situation is interesting.
Jan 13, 2024; Fort Worth, Texas, USA; TCU Horned Frogs forward Emanuel Miller (2) controls the ball as Houston Cougars guard Emanuel Sharp (21) defends during the first half at Ed and Rae Schollmaier Arena. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Since he was born in Tel Aviv and later moved to the U.S., he holds three citizenships: American, Israeli, and Canadian. And that unique background gives him options—he could potentially play for Team USA, Team Israel, or Team Canada in international competitions.
No matter what jersey he wears, though, he is going to be a certified bucket for his team.
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