4-star class of 2022 SG Shaedon Sharpe says he is hearing from Kentucky the most

Shaedon Sharpe’s recruitment is still in the early stages of the process, but Kentucky is already firmly in the mix.

Rated as a four-star prospect by multiple outlets, the 6-foot-4 Sharpe is considered one of the most athletic players in the class of 2022, if not the most athletic player in all of high school hoops. Playing his high school ball at Dream City Christian in Arizona, he’s more of a traditional shooting guard in regards to his preference of playing off the ball, but he’s far more than just a high-flyer who loves to play above the rim–although his athleticism will blow you away.

KSR was up in Indiana this weekend for Midwest Mania, an AAU event hosted by MADE Hoops featuring several of the nation’s top high school hoopers. Sharpe was in action throughout the three-day stretch and put on display just exactly what he can bring at the next level: obvious athleticism, sneaky defense, and the ability to knock down shots from beyond the arc.

Kentucky target Shaedon Sharpe is quite filthy. #MidwestMania @madehoops pic.twitter.com/DNVyJNKl4k

— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) April 23, 2021

Sharpe spoke with reporters about his game and the status of his recruitment on Friday, going as far as to say that the Kentucky Wildcats have been after him the hardest during a unique recruiting cycle over the last year-plus. Sharpe explained that his communication with schools is going mostly through Zoom at the moment and that his AAU head coach, Dwayne Washington of UPlay, is handling most of the current conversations.

John Calipari and the Wildcats extended Sharpe a scholarship offer back in December of 2020. He’s also received offers from the likes of Kansas, Alabama, Creighton, Oregon, Xavier, and Illinois, but UK has stood out thus far.

“Probably Kentucky. I hear a lot from Kentucky,” Sharpe said about which team he hears from the most. “It really goes through my coach, Dwayne Washington. So I don’t really talk to them like that.”

Considering the pandemic has induced a recruiting dead period that began over 13 months ago, it’s been more difficult than usual when it comes to reaching out and speaking with college coaching staffs. But Kentucky still stands out in Sharpe’s eyes, and he pointed to the program’s ability to produce NBA players at an unprecedented level. Obviously, as most highly-touted kids do, Sharpe has similar goals of reaching the pros.

“All the players that went through there, through their program and made it to the league,” Sharpe added. “I feel like if I go there I could do the same thing.”

Sharpe can operate from multiple areas on the floor, on both ends, too. He’s the furthest thing away from a one-trick prospect but did acknowledge his handles need some tweaking.

“Strengths? Attacking the goal and shooting the deep three if needed,” Share said about his on-court game. “Weaknesses, I would probably say I have to get my handle tighter. There is always room for improvement… I like playing off the ball. I like to get quick steals and run in transition.”

Checking out 2022 four-star guard Shaedon Sharpe, who received an offer from Kentucky back in December. pic.twitter.com/wTAYgeu62V

— Jack Pilgrim (@JackPilgrimKSR) April 23, 2021

Sharpe compares his game to that of Washington Wizards All-Star and former Florida Gator, Bradley Beal, who has steadily become one of the premier scorers in all of basketball playing at the next level. And when it comes down to it, just like Beal does in the NBA, Sharpe is willing to do whatever is needed of him to put points on the board.

“I really just do whatever the team needs,” Sharpe added. “If they need a quick three, I give them the three. If they need a bucket in the paint I will give them that too. It’s whatever the team needs.”

Sharpe is slowly getting back into the groove of the AAU circuit and is eager to get back in a rhythm with his teammates heading into what should be a busy summer. The recruiting dead period will be lifted on June 1, giving coaches the opportunity to speak with and contact recruits again.

“It feels great. I’m just excited to get the AAU season started. I can’t wait to play more games along with the team,” Sharpe said. “I feel like I played good, we played good as a team. We executed our plays. We played defense, and really just executed.”