Few players in college basketball have been as exciting to watch as Emanuel Sharp. With his lights-out shooting and clutch performances for the Houston Cougars, Sharp has become a fan favorite.
But behind every great athlete is a support system, and in Emanuel’s case, that foundation is deeply rooted in basketball. His parents, both former professional players, have shaped his journey. Let’s meet them.
Emanuel Sharp’s Support System
Emanuel Sharp was born on March 7, 2004, in Tel Aviv, Israel, to Derrick Sharp and Justine Ellison—two basketball standouts in their own right. From the moment he could walk, basketball was a part of his life. Especially with parents who had extensive careers in the game, it was only natural for Emanuel to follow suit.
Very cool stuff. Emanuel’s dad, Derek Sharp, is still a Maccabi Tel Aviv legend! 👍🏼🏀 🇮🇱 https://t.co/XxpnZtUvdo
— Fran Fraschilla (@franfraschilla) March 30, 2025
Emanuel’s father, Derrick Sharp, is nothing short of a legend in Israeli basketball. Originally from Florida, Derrick played college ball at the University of South Florida. It was before embarking on a 15-year professional career with Maccabi Tel Aviv, one of Europe’s most prestigious teams.
He became an icon for the club, winning 13 Israeli League championships and multiple EuroLeague titles. His defining moment? A legendary game-tying three-pointer against Zalgiris Kaunas in the 2004 EuroLeague playoffs that kept Maccabi’s championship hopes alive. That clutch gene? It clearly runs in the family.
After retiring, Derrick turned to coaching and even helped guide Emanuel during his high school years. He continues to serve as a mentor, offering wisdom that only a seasoned pro can provide.
Emanuel’s mother, Justine Ellison, hails from Hamilton, Ontario, and has an impressive basketball career of her own. A standout player at the University of Toronto, she led her team to two national silver medals.
With that, she was named the National University Women’s Athlete of the Year in 1996. She later played professionally in Israel for a decade, where she met Derrick, before transitioning into coaching.
With two parents who lived and breathed basketball, it’s no wonder Emanuel developed such a strong work ethic and love for the game.
Emanuel spent the early years of his life in Tel Aviv, surrounded by the vibrant basketball culture of Israel. But when he was nine, the family moved to Florida. That’s where he honed his skills against some of the best young talent in the United States.
Despite leaving Israel, Emanuel maintained strong ties to his birthplace. At just 15, he played for Israel’s U16 national team in the FIBA Division A tournament, averaging an impressive 25 points per game.
Emanuel isn’t the only athlete in the Sharp household. His older brother, Gabriel, played college basketball at Kalamazoo College, while his sister, Maya, pursued volleyball. And then there’s his youngest sibling, Noah, who’s already setting his sights on surpassing his older brother’s achievements.
Sharp’s College Career and March Madness Moments
After redshirting his first year at the University of Houston due to injury, Emanuel quickly made up for lost time. His freshman season saw him emerge as a key contributor off the bench, averaging 5.9 points and 2.2 rebounds. But it was his sophomore season that truly put him on the national radar.
During the 2024 NCAA Tournament, Sharp had one of the most electrifying performances in March Madness history.
Facing Texas A&M in the second round, he exploded for 30 points, draining seven three-pointers and almost single-handedly pushing Houston into the Sweet 16. His ability to rise to the occasion in high-pressure moments made him a household name among college basketball fans.
Now in his junior year, Emanuel has become one of the Cougars’ most reliable scorers, averaging 11.9 points per game while shooting an impressive 43.1% from beyond the arc.
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Emanuel’s story wouldn’t be complete without mentioning the family’s unusual pet: Milton, a rescued squirrel. During Hurricane Milton in 2024, the little creature found its way into the Sharp household.
Instead of shooing it away, Justine decided to care for it, and soon enough, Milton became part of the family. The squirrel has since become a fan favorite, often appearing in social media posts, eating popcorn, and lounging in the house.
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