Sharife Cooper s college career was brief, but memorable.
A variety of factors conspired to limit the 6-1 guard to just 12 games during his freshman season at Auburn. Not only did the COVID-19 pandemic shorten the 2020-21 season, but Cooper s Auburn debut was delayed while the NCAA reviewed his eligibility. He was eventually cleared on Jan. 9 after sitting out the first 11 games of the season and joined his teammates that day against rival Alabama, the Tigers fourth conference game of the year.
The Crimson Tide the eventual SEC champions prevailed, 94-90, but Cooper nearly led Auburn to a significant upset. The Powder Springs, Ga. native tallied a team-high 26 points, nine assists, and three steals in his college debut.