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Emanuel Sharp, Houston Cougars standout, hails from Canada
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    Emanuel Sharp, Houston Cougars standout, hails from Canada

    Emanuel Sharp may not have a Canadian passport, but the Houston Cougars’ impressive sophomore guard certainly has some connections to this country.

    Sharp, who led top-seeded Houston with a career-high 30 points in a 100-95 overtime win over Texas A&M on Sunday, is one of 43 players listed on Canada Basketball’s list of Canadians in this year’s March Madness — because he would be eligible to play for the country in international play.

    Sharp’s mother is Justine Ellison Sharp, who was inducted into the University of Toronto Varsity Blues hall of fame in 2009. The Hamilton native — who played for 41-year Varsity Blues coach Michele Belanger — was national university women’s athlete of the year in her senior 1995-96 season for the basketball team and led U of T to a pair of national silver medals.

    After her university career, Justine went on to play pro hoops for 10 years in Israel, where she met her future husband and Emanuel’s dad, Derrick Sharp, who also had a long career playing basketball in that country. Derrick Sharp was a member of the 2005 Maccabi Tel Aviv team that stunned the Raptors in Toronto in a pre-season game.

    “I grew up around professional basketball,” Emanuel Sharp told PaperCity Mag last year. “That’s really all I know. Coming from that background, I learned to enjoy the game that much more. Because as a kid you want to be like your parents.”

    Emanuel was born in Tel Aviv in 2004 — and played for Israel’s under-16 team. The family eventually moved to Florida, and Emanuel Sharp lists Tampa as his hometown.

    The six-foot-three Sharp more than doubled his scoring average in his second season, averaging 12.3 points. He started his NCAA career on a top-seeded team last year after fracturing his fibula and dislocating his ankle in his final year of high school.

    Houston will next play fourth-seeded Duke in the Sweet 16 on Friday in Dallas.

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    Emanuel Sharp, a rising star on the Houston Cougars basketball team, has been making waves in the college basketball world. Hailing from Canada, Sharp has quickly become a standout player for the Cougars, showcasing his skills on both ends of the court.

    Sharp, a 6’5″ guard, has impressed fans and scouts alike with his scoring ability, athleticism, and defensive prowess. He has a smooth shooting stroke and can score from anywhere on the court, making him a versatile offensive threat. In addition to his scoring ability, Sharp is also a tenacious defender, using his length and quickness to disrupt passing lanes and contest shots.

    Born and raised in Toronto, Canada, Sharp grew up playing basketball in the highly competitive Canadian youth basketball scene. He honed his skills playing for various club teams and eventually caught the attention of college recruiters in the United States. After receiving multiple scholarship offers, Sharp ultimately chose to attend the University of Houston to further his basketball career.

    Since arriving at Houston, Sharp has made an immediate impact on the team. In his freshman season, he quickly earned a starting role and has been a key contributor to the Cougars’ success. His ability to score in bunches and play lockdown defense has helped propel Houston to the top of the standings in their conference.

    Sharp’s success on the court has not gone unnoticed, as he has already garnered attention from NBA scouts. With his combination of size, skill, and athleticism, many believe that Sharp has the potential to play at the next level.

    As Sharp continues to develop and improve his game, he will undoubtedly be a player to watch in the college basketball world. With his roots in Canada and his eyes set on a bright future in basketball, Emanuel Sharp is a name that fans will be hearing for years to come.