Auburn’s star freshman Sharife Cooper has made his NBA Draft decision

Sharife Cooper’s time at Auburn has come to an end, he’s leaving school for the 2021 NBA Draft.

Cooper is regarded as one of the top point guard prospects in the upcoming draft after spending one season playing for Bruce Pearl’s Auburn squad.

The freshman started all 12 games he appeared in for the Tigers, averaging 20.2 points per game with an average of 8.1 assists, 4.3 rebounds and a steal per contest.

The Powder Springs, Ga., native came to Auburn rated as one of the top overall guard prospects in the nation out of McEachern High School.

According to ESPN’s Jonathan Givon, Cooper is one of two freshmen to average over 20 points and eight assists per game over the previous 30 college basketball seasons.

Following his decision to turn pro, Cooper issued the following tweets:

Would like to give a special thanks to my teammates as well as Bruce Pearl. was a dream come true to play under you and learn from the best college coach there is! thanks and love you coach !

— Sharife Cooper (@SharifeCooper) April 2, 2021

to my teammates ! i love you guys , unconditional love forever ! ?

— Sharife Cooper (@SharifeCooper) April 2, 2021

auburn fans . you wouldn't understand how much i appreciate the love and support you guys showed before i even stepped on campus . Auburn is truly a special place and i'm proud i could say i went to school and found a second home here!

— Sharife Cooper (@SharifeCooper) April 2, 2021

thank you guys!

— Sharife Cooper (@SharifeCooper) April 2, 2021

SDS Staff

Saturday Down South reports and comments on the news around the Southeastern Conference as well as larger college football topics.