The Hawks have a young talent in rookie point guard Sharife Cooper.
A former McEachern High guard, Cooper was drafted in the second round with the 48th pick in the NBA draft by the Hawks. He has shown flashes of potential to be a great player through his brief time with the team.
In the Hawks’ most recent exhibition game, Saturday against the Memphis Grizzlies, Cooper finished with 10 points, four rebounds and three assists in 21 minutes of play.
The Hawks won the game 91-87, and Cooper’s play down the stretch was a factor in their win. Throughout the game, Cooper received advice from guard Trae Young, who wanted him to be more aggressive.
“In the last game against Memphis, he was in my ear a lot,” Cooper said. “One time I drove and had a floater, but I kicked it to the corner. He was like, ‘Man be aggressive and take that floater.’ He was coaching me through those last couple of minutes when I finally got going.”
Being able to play behind Young and a talented group of guys is something Cooper is taking advantage of. He is learning from Young’s game.
“I feel like is pace and patience are incredible,” Cooper said. “He doesn’t predict his next move. He’s always jittery, so you never know what he’s doing. It is great to have somebody that has done it before me that can guide me.”
Forward Cam Reddish appreciates Cooper’s ability to learn everything and be a student of the game.
“(He’s) like a sponge, just taking in everything,” Reddish said. “That was me two years ago (being a rookie), so I know what it’s like. (He’s) done a great job in competing every day and the future is bright. ... He’s going to be nice when his time comes.”
Throughout his learning process, Cooper has received advice from many professionals, including his sister, Te’a Cooper, who plays for the Los Angeles Sparks of the WNBA. When it comes to the advice she has given him, it is simple.
“With the (number) of games, take care of your body and don’t do too much,” Cooper said.
Cooper also received similar advice from Hawks assistant coaches, who he said tell him “to get off the court a lot (from always wanting to work out). I’m still getting used to it. I don’t know how an 82-game season is yet.”
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