LISTEN: Shaedon Sharpe on his first month at Kentucky
How is Shaedon Sharpe adjusting to college life? Have his plans for his time in Lexington changed? The media has yet to talk to the newest Kentucky Wildcat since he arrived on campus last month, but earlier this week, he chatted with UK Sports Network’s Curtis Burch on the “Behind Kentucky Basketball” podcast. There isn’t any groundbreaking news in the 14-minute interview, but considering how little we’ve heard from him thus far, I listened this morning to bring you the highlights.
He enjoys the support from BBN
From fans arriving at Rupp Arena early to watch him warm up to the “We Want Shaedon” chants at Allen Fieldhouse, the Big Blue Nation is obviously intrigued by Sharpe, a projected top-ten draft pick. The soft-spoken star said he appreciates the support.
“It’s cool, just knowing I have fans behind me and fans just watching me in my time being here. It’s cool and everything.”
He’s still adjusting to the speed and physicality of college ball
Sharpe confirmed he is fully practicing with the team now. In 5-on-5, he matches up with Dontaie Allen, Sahvir Wheeler, and Kellan Grady the most. Right now, his focus is on getting to know the team and Cal’s system.
“Really just start practicing with the guys. Just getting to practice with them, bond with them, get to know them. Really just getting to know the system and how they play.”
The biggest challenge so far?
“Probably the speed of the game. It’s faster in college and more physical. Them guarding me, they don’t know what’s coming. They don’t know my game.”
No hints on his future
There are reports that Sharpe can apply for the 2022 NBA Draft, but those around him maintain his plan is to stay at Kentucky for the 2022-23 season. When asked why he enrolled early, Sharpe did not indicate those plans had changed.
“I feel like it’ll prepare me for when I play next year,” he said.
Why Kentucky?
“I just feel like Cal really develops his players for the next level. I feel like getting the proper training for me to get to the next level.”
So far, he’s been amazed by the “Super Bowl” environments the Cats play in on the road.
“It’s amazing being in all those atmospheres. Auburn was crazy. The atmosphere was crazy. I’ve never been in an atmosphere like that. Just being around crowds like that, it’s amazing.”
He played hockey and football growing up
Now, for some fun facts. A native of London, Ontario, Sharpe played hockey growing up and is still “decent” on skates. He also played wide receiver and, had he stuck with football instead of basketball, believes he could have gone Div. I. His cousin, Dasan Brown, is an outfielder for the Toronto Blue Jays.
When Sharpe isn’t playing sports, he loves playing video games (Call of Duty: Warzone, NBA2K, Fortnite) and drinking milkshakes. On an episode of “All-Access” a few weeks ago, CJ Fredrick told him about Skyline Chili — “spaghetti with some kind of chili stuff” — and it blew his mind. His favorite class at UK so far is video arts.
His biggest strength? Finishing
Sharpe said he models his game after Devin Booker and Bradley Beal, “bigger guys that can handle the ball and shoot the rock.” He also admires fellow Cat and Canadian Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s game. His answer when asked what his biggest strength on the court is shouldn’t come as a surprise.
“Probably finishing at the goal and creating as much space as I can.”
We saw that on display in warm-ups at Vanderbilt:
The Cats face Vanderbilt again tonight. Will Shaedon get minutes? While we wait to find out, you can listen to the interview below or watch it on Facebook.
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