North Carolina freshman forward Day’Ron Sharpe announced through his social media accounts that he has decided to enter the 2021 NBA draft.
The 6-foot-11 native of Greenville, N.C., nearly led the team in rebounding with 7.6 boards per game, despite playing just 19.8 minutes per game. Sharpe was especially effective on the offensive boards, where he led the nation in offensive rebounding percentage (18.3) according to Kenpom.com.
Sharpe wrote on a post he shared on Instagram and Twitter: “I feel that I’m now ready for the next level. I’ve made it this far and there’s no reason for me to stop now!...This is only the beginning of a dream i have worked so hard to accomplish. With that being said, I will be declaring for the NBA draft with high hopes for the support of my Carolina family. Once a Tar Heel, always a Tar Heel!”
Sharpe, who averaged 9.5 points per game, is being projected by many as a first-round pick. The Athletic has him going 19th overall to the Boston Celtics.
When Carolina first offered Sharpe a scholarship at the end of his sophomore year, he was an unheralded prospect. He wasn’t even considered a top 100 recruit on the 247 sports composite for the class of 2020.
He played for Montverde Academy along with Oklahoma State’s Cade Cunningham and Florida State’s Scottie Barnes, who are also projected as first-round picks in this year’s draft.
By the time Sharpe signed with the Heels, he had worked his way to being No. 15 nationally in those same rankings. UNC coach Roy Williams said in a released statement that Sharpe is going to be a “fantastic” pro.
“He’s naturally one of the greatest rebounders I’ve ever coached and a young man I just truly enjoyed,” Williams said. “I think over the next few years if he gets even a little more disciplined, a little more focused, we’re going to see an unbelievable player at the professional level.”
Sharpe played in all 29 games for the Tar Heels this season and started four times. Sharpe’s decision leaves Carolina’s frontcourt, which was the strength of its team last season, with a big void considering 7-foot-1 freshman center Walker Kessler announced he would enter the transfer portal on Monday.
Forward Armando Bacot would be the only returning big who played this season should forward Garrison Brooks decide against taking an NCAA waiver that would allow him to replay his senior season.
