KSR Today: Washington and Sharpe make NBA debuts, UK’s 2022 HOF class announced
Former Kentucky guards TyTy Washington and Shaedon Sharpe made their NBA debuts on Thursday at the 2022 NBA2K23 Summer League in Las Vegas.
Well, Washington did for sure. As for Sharpe? He played just over five minutes and made his first bucket as a professional basketball player before suffering a shoulder injury. More on that in a minute.
As for Washington, he finished with seven points on 2-6 shooting, 1-3 from three and 2-2 from the line to go with four rebounds, three assists, one block and one turnover in 27:39 of action for the Rockets. It was a performance that had social media buzzing about his potential as a point guard in Houston.
Back to full strength following a series of nagging ankle injuries to close out his short Kentucky career, Washington showed the same burst and quickness that put him in the lottery conversation early in his time in Lexington. It was a first impression that left NBA analysts convinced the former Wildcat was better suited for the professional game rather than college.
“TyTy looks REAL comfortable on offense operating in more space than he had at any point this season at Kentucky,” The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie said. “… All of these drives that got cut off in college in the midrange because Kentucky had no space are ending deeper into the paint. Couple of killer live dribble passes. Got fouled going to the rim once, hit a catch-and-shoot 3. Looks real sharp.”
Speaking of Sharpe, his professional debut didn’t go as planned. In his first live public performance since last October — nine months, for those keeping track at home — the 6-foot-6 guard finished with two points on 1-3 shooting and 0-2 from three to go with one turnover in 5:33 of play. His return to the floor was cut short due to a left shoulder injury he suffered in the first quarter, one that kept him out the rest of the game. He is expected to undergo an MRI to determine the severity of the injury.
The wait continues with Sharpe, but fans got to see at least one made basket during his short time on the court.
The 2022 NBA2K23 Summer League continues in Las Vegas, with games starting at 4 p.m. ET. Check out the complete schedule below:
- Dallas Mavericks vs. Chicago Bulls – 4 p.m. ET (ESPNU)
- San Antonio Spurs vs. Cleveland Cavaliers – 5 p.m. ET (NBA TV)
- Ashton Hagans (Cavaliers)
- Charlotte Hornets vs. Indiana Pacers – 6 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
- Nick Richards (Hornets)
- Isaiah Jackson (Pacers)
- Brooklyn Nets vs. Milwaukee Bucks – 7 p.m. ET (NBA TV)
- Golden State Warriors vs. New York Knicks – 8 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
- Denver Nuggets vs. Minnesota Timberwolves – 9 p.m. ET (NBA TV)
- Kellan Grady (Nuggets)
- Kahlil Whitney (Timberwolves)
- Phoenix Suns vs. Los Angeles Lakers – 10 p.m. ET (ESPN2)
- Olivier Sarr (Suns)
- Sacha Killeya-Jones (Lakers)
UK Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2022 announced
The University of Kentucky Athletics Hall of Fame Class of 2022 was announced Thursday, with Jim Andrews (men’s basketball), Derek Bryant (baseball), Dezerea Bryant (women’s track and field), Keenan Burton (football), Mike Lyden (swimming and diving) and Kelsey Nunley-Moore (softball) chosen for induction.
The new Hall of Famers will be inducted during Hall of Fame Weekend on November 10-12.
The UK Athletics Hall of Fame was started in 2005 to recognize and honor persons whose participation and achievements enriched and strengthened the University’s athletics program. A committee consisting of Hall of Famers, media members, campus representatives and current coaches and administrators elects new inductees each year.
Justin Edwards to commit at Peach Jam
Kentucky is ramping up contact with five-star wing Justin Edwards. Will it be enough to earn his commitment? We’ll find out in the coming weeks, as the Philadelphia native will announce his final decision at Peach Jam, which runs from July 17-24.
“I got my mind on committing at Peach Jam,” Edwards told On3 on Thursday. “That’s something I want to do, just to get it over with.”
Will he consider the professional route?
“No more pro options, I’m going to college,” Edwards added.
Kentucky and Tennessee have been long seen as the top two contenders to land his commitment, with Auburn trailing as a darkhorse, as well.
John Calipari, Chin Coleman visit Ugonna Kingsley
The Wildcats are also making a serious run at shot-blocking standout Ugonna Kingsley, who John Calipari and Chin Coleman were in attendance to see at the NBA Global Academy Games in Atlanta on Thursday.
Kingsley is rated as the No. 5 overall prospect and No. 1 center in On3’s latest player rankings in the class of 2023. Widely seen as the best shot-blocking talent in high school basketball, the 6-foot-11 center is an elite defender who runs the floor well and finishes with explosion around the rim. He remains raw offensively, but his defensive potential is second-to-none.
Happy Friday, BBN! Let’s get to the weekend.
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