LEXINGOTN, KY. (LEX 18) — Kentucky freshman Shaedon Sharpe will declare for the 2022 NBA draft while maintaining his college eligibility.
— Shaedon Sharpe (@ShaedonSharpe) April 21, 2022
"Shaedon and his family told me that he intends to put his name in the draft while retaining his eligibility, and they have my full support to test the process just as every player does,” UK head coach John Calipari said. “Shaedon has been a great teammate and has handled everything that comes with being a college student-athlete the way he should. Since he arrived on our campus, he’s been an integral part of our program and he’s already registered for summer and fall classes, but we support this decision to explore every option and make the best decision for his future based on all of the information he can receive."
Sharpe enrolled at UK in January to red shirt and started practicing with the Wildcats while preparing for the 2022-'23 season. Amid speculation, Coach Calipari announced in February that Sharpe wouldn't suit up for Kentucky for the 2021-'22 season.
The deadline to return to school is June 1. Players can submit paperwork to receive evaluations from the NBA and participate – if invited – in the NBA Draft Combine which is slated to take place May 16-22.
