NCAA Basketball: Top 10 players to wear jersey No. 21 in 2023-24 season
By Joey Loose
2. Emanuel Sharp (Houston)
In recent years Houston has been absolutely fantastic at developing backcourt players. Recent stars like Marcus Sasser and Jamal Shead are evidence of this and Sharp certainly looks like the next in line. Having originally arrived in Houston back in 2021, he redshirted his first year, played decent minutes as a reserve in his freshman season, and really took a big step forward this last year as a redshirt sophomore.
The Tampa native became a starter in said backcourt, averaging 12.6 points and 3.5 rebounds while making 37% of his 3-pointers. Not only did Cryer really stand out when the Cougars needed him, he helped lead Houston to a Big 12 title in their first year in the league. Sharp was among the conference’s Top 10 in steals, 3-pointers, and free throw percentage, and really has blossomed in his development.
Dropping 20 on opening night against Louisiana-Monroe was a sign of things to come, as Sharp would play well throughout his sophomore campaign. His most notable performance came at the season’s end, but he also dropped 20 points apiece in a pair of games against a tough Iowa State defense. The Cougars advanced to the Sweet Sixteen, ignited by Sharp’s career-high 30 points in the second round win over Texas A&M and certainly hope for more of that in the future.