PC: Maccabi.co.il
The Coronavirus has taken over the world, bringing not just basketball, but almost everything we know to a complete halt. With that said, there are other ways to enjoy the sports world from watching full-game replays to interviewing legends. One of those legends is Derrick Sharp, a Maccabi Tel-Aviv and Euroleague legend who was recently interviewed by Sports Around the Globe with Shai Boker. I asked Sharp about his playing career in Yellow and Blue and his greatest moment, whether his sons will someday continue his legacy with Maccabi, and of course the impact of the Coronavirus has had on a basketball family.
1) Which game was the most fun you've had playing with Parker, Saras, Nikola, Maceo and the rest of them?
A: “The most fun was the Euroleague Final [2004] In Tel-Aviv against Skipper [Bologna]!!”
(Maccabi won the game 118:74 breaking 10 Euroleague records)
2) What was so special about the 2003-2007 teams?
A: “Just camaraderie off the court and the genuine love we have for one another.”
(The team made three consecutive Finals appearances winning the first two)
3) What was the greatest moment of your career with Maccabi?
A: “Zalgiris Miracle!” (April 8th, 2004)
(Sharp’s three-pointer at the buzzer forced overtime tied at 94:94 after the Yellows had trailed, 86:92 with 15.7 seconds left in regulation of a win-or-go-home game. Maccabi would win the game 107:99, thus securing their spot in the Final Four in Tel-Aviv, eventually winning the Euroleague title)
Sharp's Miracle shot (Euroleague Youtube):
4) What was going through his mind when he caught, shot the ball and made the shot?
A: "Nothing was going through my mind really, I was just moving around waiting for Gur [Shelef] to throw the ball. I wanted to keep the guy guarding me behind my back but that’s it. I didn’t have a plan of what to do. I just reacted. Once I caught the ball I was out-of-body. I had no reaction, no feelings and no recollection."
5) What was the atmosphere like in the locker room after that win?
A: "The atmosphere was shock and relief! We knew we were destined to win the championship after going through that!"
6) As one of the only players who played with both Doron Jamchi and Omri Casspi, who do you think had more influence on the Israeli basketball?
A: “They both did for different reasons in different eras. Jamchi for his scoring ability, outside shot and will. Casspi for showing the younger generation that an Israeli could make it in the NBA if they just believe.”
7) How did it feel to play for Maccabi so many years, while every other player left after a few years?
A: “Well I told myself when I got to Maccabi that I would play there until 40.”
8) Who was your favorite Maccabi teammate?
A: “That’s a tough question because they are all my favorites! I love them all and still talk to most of them even [Constantin] POPA!” (Popa played for Maccabi from 1996-2000)
9) Who is the player you had the hardest time guarding?
A: “David Rivers.” (Former "Team System" Bologna player)
10) Who do you think is the best coach you had with Maccabi?
A: “David Blatt.”
11) In the future, do you believe that we'll see one of your sons continue your legacy in Yellow and Blue?
A: “That is a question for them and will be determined by their dreams and aspirations. Would be cool though!!”
(DJ Sharp plays for Hapoel Galil Elyon in the second division, while Emanuel Sharp is in High School in Florida and recently won Class 5A Florida Player of the Year)
12) You're a known basketball family, how much of an impact has the Coronavirus had on you and your sons?
A: “A lot because it is a daily part of our lives but we find time to train and work on their weaknesses 1 on 1 so we’ve turned a negative into a positive.”
Euroleague career stats (via Euroleague.net):
Accomplishments in his Maccabi career:
Selfie with Sharp and Maceo Baston:
