By ADAM ZAGORIA
Kentucky’s Shaedon Sharpe had a “terrific” Pro Day Monday in Chicago ahead of Tuesday’s NBA Draft lottery.
“He was terrific! Helped himself,” said one NBA Director of Scouting who attended the Pro Day, adding Sharpe is a Top 10 pick “for sure.”
ESPN’s Jonathan Givony also praised Sharpe for “putting on a show” and “showing his shot-making prowess and explosiveness” in front of NBA scouts.
The 6-foot-6 Sharpe is the projected No. 5 pick in the June 23 NBA Draft, per Tankathon.com, and No. 6 per ESPN.com.
Sharpe declared for the NBA Draft last month despite not having played a single game in college after enrolling in January.
“These last four months at Kentucky have been nothing short of amazing,” Sharpe said. “To have Coach Cal and the rest of the coaching staff, my teammates/brothers, and the Big Blue Nation welcome me into the family has been a true blessing.
“My path to this point wasn’t a straight road of successes but my passion for this game and my dream to play at the highest level has allowed me to overcome challenges and disappointments and has shaped me into who I am today.
“In all honesty, nothing could truly prepare me for the decisions I’ve had to make along the way, but God has placed special people in my life to help guide, support and instill confidence in me to help prepare for these moments. Through discussions with Coach Cal, my parents, my mentor, and long consideration and prayer I’ve decided to enter to my name in the NBA draft while maintaining my college eligibility.
“I’m not sure what my future holds beyond today, but I do know that I have to take this next step to officially go through the process to test the waters and receive feedback. I pray you all will understand this is not a decision I’ve taking lightly.”
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