NBA Comparison: Reggie Perry

Strengths: A true throwback big man, Sharpe is the best rebounder of the class, as well as one of the best post scorers and shot blockers…With his 6’11 size, strength and timing, Sharpe hauls in rebounds with 7.6 per game…The freshman standout has a solid repertoire of post moves, able to go right through smaller defenders, or over taller defenders with jump hooks, pivots and over the shoulder jumpers…Sharpe has great timing and athleticism, and had plenty of thunderous rejections this season for the Tar Heels…Has great potential as a disruptive interior force, rebounder and post scorer, especially considering his youth and ability to continue improving his shot…While he is not a three-point threat, Sharpe did show the ability to knock down a two-point jumper…Looks poised with the ball, and even has some ball handling skill, driving past defenders on his way to the hoop…His 1.4 assists per game as a big man highlight his comfort making the correct decision with the ball…He has an innate ability to track offensive boards, using his length and strength to overpower other rebounders…Led the country in offensive rebound percentage this season…Should quickly translate to the NBA, where he can be a hub for second chance points and easy put back opportunities.

Weaknesses: As the NBA has evolved into a pace and space league, interior big men who aren’t a three from deep have become less and less useful…Sharpe missed both of his attempts from deep, and shot just 50.5% from the charity stripe, meaning it will take some serious development for him to be even a decent shooter from mid-range or three-point range…Even with all his monster blocks, Sharpe averaged less than one block per game…Needs to be more consistent in guarding the pick and roll, and can often get caught out of position…Doesn’t have great speed, making it more challenging to help on defense, guard on the perimeter and be an effective rim runner in transition…Averaged two turnovers a game…Only averaged 4.2 defensive rebounds per game, needs to be a more consistent and reliable defensive rebounder…Didn’t score efficiently for a big man, and wasn’t a volume scorer with under ten points per game…Shot just under 60% at the rim and 38.7% on two-point jumpers.

Michael Hopp 7/26/21