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Jamarion Sharp is picking up major interest on the recruiting trail this offseason. The Western Kentucky center entered the transfer portal a couple of weeks ago, and he’s already become one of college basketball’s hottest commodities.
A number of programs have been in contact with the big man over the last few days, and for good reason. He’s posted some incredible defensive numbers during his time with the Hilltoppers.
Sharp has been the nation’s leading shot blocker each of the past two seasons.
In his first season with WKU, he averaged an insane 4.6 blocks per game. Last year, that number dropped slightly to 4.1 swats a night. His average mark of 4.4 ranks 10th all-time, according to Sports-Reference.
And while his scoring output won’t blow you away (7.8 ppg), he’s shooting at a clip of 68% for his career.
At 7′ 5″, he’s a force down low, and that size is what’s catching the eyes of major programs throughout the country. He’s also landed respect from some of the nation’s top performers. Just ask former National Player of the Year Oscar Tshiebwe, who called him a “nightmare” after Kentucky’s matchup with the Hilltoppers in 2021.
7’5″ Jamarion Sharp, the tallest player in D-I basketball, really did all of this in just SECONDS 😳 pic.twitter.com/VxVtVRHQo1
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 7, 2022
Speaking of the Wildcats, they’re one of a number of notable schools in the Jamarion Sharp sweepstakes. Others in contact with the center include SEC programs Arkansas, Florida, Missouri, Ole Miss, and LSU, as well as teams like Gonzaga, FSU, Wake Forest, and Cincinnati.
Sharp is an absolute freak on the court, as well as the tallest player in college basketball. At the moment, it appears that Mizzou is the team to beat, though Chris Beard and the Ole Miss Rebels are picking up some steam.
While he is in the portal, you can’t completely rule out a return to WKU. This is actually his second time in the transfer portal as he also entered in 2021-22 before removing his name from consideration.
It will be an interesting recruitment to follow over the offseason.