Just the way we expected this one. A back-and-forth, heart-thumping title clash between Houston and Florida. After cooking up fireworks in the Final Four, both squads brought the heat again. But sadly for the Cougars, their Final Four curse showed up again. Seven trips. Zero titles. Even after locking down Florida’s sniper Walter Clayton Jr. to just 11 points. Even after playing some of their best defense all season. But you know what everyone’s talking about right now? Emanuel Sharp’s last-minute play.

In the final, frantic seconds of Monday night, everything came down to one play. Houston had the ball, down 65-63, with a shot at tying or winning it. The Gators threw a quick double-team at Houston’s Sharp as he crossed half-court. That’s when things went sideways. Sharp tried to rise up for a three-pointer but hesitated mid-motion. He left the ground holding the ball, came back down without releasing it, and instinctively dropped it. 

Now stuck, he couldn’t touch it again. So he backed off. And that’s when Florida pounced. Alex Condon saw the ball bouncing freely and dived for it, securing the loose ball as a swarm of players from both sides closed in. Condon held on. The buzzer sounded. Game over. Florida won the national championship.

The moment was confusing to some, but it came down to a very specific rule. According to Rule 9, Section 5, Article 7 of the NCAA men’s basketball rulebook, a player commits a traveling violation if they jump and land without maintaining a pivot foot while still holding the ball. That’s exactly what happened with Sharp. Because he never actually got the shot off, and because he left the ground with the ball and came back down, he couldn’t regain possession legally.

Doing so would’ve counted as a double dribble (an automatic turnover). In the biggest moment of the game, he was basically frozen in place. It was a brutal way for Houston’s season to end. They had led by as many as 12 points earlier in the game and had looked like the more dominant team for stretches. But Florida never quit.

Walter Clayton Jr. was a non-factor in the first half. Houston’s defense had completely shut him down. But the senior guard came alive after the break, scoring all 11 of his points in the second half. And none of those points will be remembered as much as the play he made on defense. As Sharp gathered for that final possession, Clayton ran at him hard, forcing the hesitation that led to the turnover. It wasn’t just clutch scoring—it was smart, high-pressure defense when it mattered most.

As soon as the game ended, Clayton pulled his jersey out and ran toward the other end of the court as the Florida bench erupted. Gator chomps filled the air. Orange and blue confetti fell. It was Florida’s night. For Sharp, it was a heartbreaking end to an otherwise solid tournament run. While he will remember this moment, internet will make sure of it, the season as a whole boosted his draft stock and he’s expected to turn pro now.

Emanuel Sharp eyes his NBA destination

The Houston guard is expected to head pro with big-stage experience and reliable shooting. His game has enough layers to make him a real contender in the second round of the draft. This season, Sharp shot a solid 41.5% from three and averaged 12.8 points and 3 rebounds per game. 

But it’s not just the numbers—it’s the way he plays. There’s a maturity to his decision-making, a patience to his movement, and when he gets going from deep, there’s not much a defense can do. His 3-and-D potential stands out, especially for teams looking to shore up their perimeter game. As a possible second-round selection, with the teams keeping an eye on Sharp, the Pelicans could be an ideal fit. 

With Zion Williamson and CJ McCollum needing space to operate, Sharp’s floor-spacing ability would be a perfect puzzle piece. The Lakers, too, could use someone like Sharp—young, confident, and tested under pressure. They’ve been looking to inject youth into their backcourt, and Sharp’s poise from high-stakes college moments might just translate well under the Hollywood lights. Another great fit is the Orlando Magic. 

They’ve got size and length but have struggled to find consistent outside shooting. Sharp’s range would add a much-needed spark to their offense. He’d help space the floor for ballers like Paolo Banchero and Franz Wagner and keep defenses honest.

The Pacers could also benefit from a shooter who plays well off the ball. Tyrese Haliburton’s playmaking creates tons of open looks, and Sharp would thrive as a catch-and-shoot option in that system. And then there’s the Spurs—who love players with good fundamentals and strong work ethics. 

There are still things Sharp needs to work on—like creating his own shot consistently—but the tools are there. So, no matter where he lands, the Cougars guard looks like a player ready to grow into something bigger at the next level.