North Carolina freshman big man Day’Ron Sharpe is entering the NBA draft.
The 6-foot-11, 265-pound Sharpe announced his decision in a social media post-Wednesday after averaging 9.5 points and 6.9 rebounds in 19.3 minutes per game off the bench.
He has shown the ability to be a dominant rebounder with a good passing touch and a strong frame, a combination that has him widely viewed as a first-round prospect even as he’s a still-developing talent.
“I feel that I’m now ready for the next level,” Sharpe said in a statement. “I’ve made it this far and there’s no reason for me to stop now!”
Best of luck to our guy @dayron_sharpe at the next level 🙌#CarolinaFamily forever. pic.twitter.com/eQbsF51GGe
— Carolina Basketball (@UNC_Basketball) March 24, 2021
The UNC basketball program’s Twitter account also acknowledged Sharpe’s decision, wishing him luck at the next level.
“I loved coaching him,” coach Roy Williams said in a statement. “He has a tremendously high motor. He’s naturally one of the greatest rebounders I’ve ever coached and a young man I truly just enjoyed.”
Sharpe had a season-high 25 points in a January win against Notre Dame, followed by a season-best 16 rebounds in the next game against Miami.
— Dayron sharpe (@dayron_sharpe) March 24, 2021
His decision marks the second departure from North Carolina’s deep front line this week. Seven-foot freshman Walker Kessler announced earlier that he plans to transfer.
The Tar Heels reached the NCAA Tournament but lost last week to Wisconsin in the first round.
