Shaedon Sharpe announces he is entering 2022 NBA Draft, maintaining eligibility

It’s official. Shaedon Sharpe just announced he is entering the 2022 NBA Draft, but maintaining his eligibility. After the news broke on Twitter this morning that Sharpe will enter and stay in the draft, the Kentucky freshman took to social media with a message to UK and the Big Blue Nation, insisting that he is just testing the waters for now. The deadline to return to school is June 1.

These last four months at Kentucky have been nothing short of amazing. To have Coach Cal and the rest of the coaching staff, my teammates/brothers, and the Big Blue Nation welcome me into the family has been a true blessing.

My path to this point wasn’t a straight road of success but my passion for this game and my dream to play at the highest level has allowed me to overcome challenges and disappointments and has shaped me into who I am today.

In all honesty, nothing could truly prepare me for the decisions I’ve had to make along the way, but God has placed special people in my life to help guide, support, and instill confidence in me to help prepare for these moments. Through discussions with Coach Cal, my parents, my mentor, and long consideration and prayer I’ve decided to enter my name in the NBA Draft while maintaining my college eligibility.

I’m not sure what my future holds beyond today, but I do know I have to take this next step to officially go through the process to test the waters and receive feedback. I pray you all will understand this is not a decision I’ve taken lightly.

I’d like to thank God for his many blessings and for always guiding my path. To Coach Cal and the rest of the coaching staff, thank you for your guidance and support both on and off the court. To my family and friends, your unconditional love has seen me through the ups and downs and to BBN I will be eternally grateful for your patience and understanding while I go through this process.

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— Shaedon Sharpe (@ShaedonSharpe) April 21, 2022

Sharpe, rated as the No. 1 prospect in the class of 2022 before enrolling early, joined the Kentucky basketball program in January but did not play a single game.

John Calipari on Sharpe’s decision to test the waters

In a press release from UK, John Calipari shared a statement on Sharpe’s decision.

“Shaedon and his family told me that he intends to put his name in the draft while retaining his eligibility, and they have my full support to test the process just as every player does. Shaedon has been a great teammate and has handled everything that comes with being a college student-athlete the way he should.

“Since he arrived on our campus, he’s been an integral part of our program and he’s already registered for summer and fall classes, but we support this decision to explore every option and make the best decision for his future based on all of the information he can receive.”