All Tar Heels

UNC Basketball One-And-Done Delivers Statement Preseason Performance

UNC basketball product Day'Ron Sharpe could have a breakout year for the Brooklyn Nets.

Matt Giles

Former UNC basketball center Day'Ron Sharpe (Rich Storry-USA TODAY Sports)
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Following Day'Ron Sharpe's one-and-done UNC basketball campaign, the 6-foot-11, 265-pound center went No. 29 overall at the 2021 NBA Draft and has been with the Brooklyn Nets ever since. While he's gained experience in the league and put up solid per-minute averages, he's yet to emerge as a regular big-time contributor.

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Perhaps that will change this go-round. As the New York Post's Brian Lewis noted on Thursday, the word "strong" best describes every aspect of the 21-year-old Sharpe's offseason, training camp, and preseason.

And one could say the Greenville, N.C., native saved his best for last in preseason play.

On Wednesday night, his late three proved clutch in the Nets' 107-104 road win over the Miami Heat:

Day'Ron Sharpe, who averaged 4.7 points and 4.2 rebounds in 11.5 minutes per game last season, tallied 19 points, 11 rebounds, two steals, three blocks, and zero turnovers in his 21 minutes on the floor against the Heat. He did so while shooting 6-for-7 from the floor, 1-for-2 beyond the arc, and 6-for-6 at the foul line.

That's efficient. And a strong statement.

But Sharpe was far from boastful following the game.

"Personally, I just feel like last year I did the same thing during preseason," he told the media, per Lewis. "I don't know about training camp, but in preseason, I did the same thing...So, right now, I'm ready for the season to start, so I can just show people I can do it during the season, too. Preseason really doesn't matter."

Sharpe and the Brooklyn Nets, now boasting another UNC basketball product in Cam Johnson, who sat out the preseason with a hamstring injury, begin their season at home against the Cleveland Cavaliers at 7:30 p.m. ET Wednesday.

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Matt Giles
MATT GILES

Matt Giles is the editor and publisher of North Carolina Tar Heels on SI, Duke Blue Devils on SI, and NC State Wolfpack on SI, making him a key source for comprehensive coverage of these storied college basketball programs. Since joining UNC on SI in 2023, Matt has been dedicated to providing in-depth analysis, breaking news, and exclusive content on all three teams. He covers everything from game previews and recaps to player profiles and recruiting updates. Matt's expert knowledge of these teams has made his work a go-to resource for fans and followers of Duke, NC State, and UNC. As publisher, he shapes the editorial direction, ensuring that the most relevant and timely information reaches his audience.

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