UNC Basketball: Where does Day’Ron Sharpe rank on 247 Big Board?

Where does UNC basketball standout Day’Ron Sharpe rank on 247Sports’ final Big Board prior to tonight’s NBA Draft?

After months of anticipation and speculation, the NBA Draft is officially just a few hours away.

It is expected that freshman standout Day’Ron Sharpe will be selected during tonight’s draft, as he most likely will be the only representative of the UNC basketball program. Leading up to the draft, there has been a lot of speculation as to just where Sharpe fits among this year’s draft class.

Some mock drafts view Sharpe as a middle-to-late first round pick, while others have the talented big man sliding early into the second round. Regardless of where he ends up, Sharpe is one of the most talented players among this group, and 247Sports recently took notice of that.

In his final Big Board prior to tonight’s NBA Draft, Travis Branham of 247 Sports ranks Sharpe as his No. 23 overall prospect in the class. Branham’s board specifically is based on how he ranks the players based on talent, not where he expects them to be drafted this evening.

Here’s what Branham’s article had to say regarding the former UNC basketball standout:

"While he doesn’t fit the “modern” NBA, Day’Ron Sharpe holds value as the League starts re-finding value in bruising and skilled low-post prospects. Sharpe is a big, strong and skilled low-post big man who is an outstanding rebounder and effective scorer with his back to the basket.When faced with a mismatch, Sharpe can bully his man on the block to get a bucket an aspect of the game in which will draw help from the defense where he can then utilize his passing ability to hit teammates for jumpers on the perimeter.He isn’t the most athletic and isn’t a switch defender or a high level rim protector but Sharpe can play in drop coverage and impact the game with his physicality, rebounding, post presence and passing ability."

Sharpe has received a lot of attention lately, as he was a player whose stock appeared to be on the rise. After he withdrew from the NBA Draft Combine, analysts around the league speculated whether or not the Tar Heel big man had a promise from a specific team. However, based on recent reports, it looks like Sharpe has improved his draft stock due to his leaner body, as well as what looks to be an improved shooting stroke.

Without a doubt, Day’Ron Sharpe will be one of the most interesting storylines at this year’s NBA Draft. We’ll have to wait and see just how long it takes for Sharpe to hear his name called to the podium.

Continue to follow the Keeping It Heel team for all the latest news and updates regarding the UNC basketball program, as well as Day’Ron Sharpe and tonight’s NBA Draft.