Shaedon Sharpe doesn’t regret not playing for Kentucky

Shaedon Sharpe doesn’t regret how things unfolded at Kentucky.

In a pre-draft conference call with the media, the 6-foot-5 guard out of Canada made it clear that he has zero regrets about not playing a single minute as a Wildcat before turning pro.

“Like I said before, everything happens for a reason,” Sharpe said via Ben Roberts of the Herald-Leader. “So I really don’t regret (not) playing. I’m working out for NBA teams now. So I guess I did something right.”

Sharpe initially tested the draft waters before forgoing his college eligibility and keeping his name in the draft on May 31. Now, the former five-star signee is seen as a likely lottery pick in next week’s NBA Draft. He’ll do so without playing during his three months on campus, a decision he says was his and his alone.

“I did talk to Cal about it, my coach, trainer, even my parents. But, at the end of the day, it was my decision to not play,” said Sharpe. “… So I was just in the gym every day, working out. Really, for me, whatever happened would happen, and I’d be ready for it.”

Will his lack of experience in college hurt him at the next level? Don’t tell him that. In fact, Sharpe says he sees himself becoming an all-time great in the NBA, with or without college.

“I see myself being one of the greatest players to ever play the game of basketball,” said Sharpe. “Playing at the highest level, just getting after it, competing. One of my goals coming in as a rookie is being Rookie of the Year. That’s one of the goals. And then, All-Star. And later on, Hall of Fame.”

It’s a response that may not sit well with Kentucky fans who dreamed of Sharpe leading the Wildcats on the floor at some point, whether it be to close out this past season or in 2022-23. As for UK point guard Sahvir Wheeler, he has nothing but love and support for his former teammate.

“I’m happy for him, happy for anyone who decides to pursue their dream by going to the next level,” Wheeler said Friday. “I wish him nothing but the best and success. At the end of the day, he’s making the best decision for himself and his family. You can’t blame him or fault him for that.”

What did he see in Sharpe during his short time in Lexington?

“NBA player. He’s an NBA player,” said Wheeler. “Shaedon can do everything. He’s a great teammate. If you come here, you’re a great teammate, and that’s what he is first. He was the first one to celebrate with us when someone did something good, first one to pick us up when something went wrong. It never felt like he wasn’t a part of the team. Even when he came in December or whenever it was, it felt like he was here the whole year. That’s how good of a teammate he was.”

Physically, Wheeler says Sharpe is everything you’d hope for in a draft prospect.

“On the court, he’s a freaky athlete, stupid athletic,” said Wheeler. “He can handle it, shoot the ball, come off pin-downs for catch-and-shoot, creates shots for himself. He’s unselfish — not as good of a passer as me (laughs), but he’s definitely unselfish and knows how to make the right play.”

The next (and first) time Kentucky fans see Sharpe in a basketball jersey, it’ll be in the NBA.