Jamarion Sharp, a former Tiger from Hopkinsville, is one of the most sought-after nominees for the prestigious 2023 Naismith Men’s Defensive Player of the Year award. Announced Thursday by the Atlanta Tipoff Club, Sharp is among four players outside of the Power Five to make the watch list and one of the few to be named twice, having been a semi-finalist for the award in 2022.
The 7’5″ player joins Charles Bassey, a former All-American, as the two Hilltoppers to be included in the list. Sharp currently leads the nation in blocked shots per game (4.3) and overall blocks (81). His impressive stats are more than double the amount of those of three-quarters of Division I programs combined.
For the second year in a row, @Jaammaarion has been named to the @NaismithTrophy Defensive Player of the Year Award watch list! #GoTops
— WKU Hilltopper Basketball (@WKUBasketball) January 26, 2023
📝 | https://t.co/B2VnLfAbbb pic.twitter.com/ivhBu4xjJB
Sharp’s defensive prowess is well-known throughout the basketball world. His ability to read the court and anticipate the intentions of the opposing player have earned him the reputation of being one of the best defenders in college basketball. He has quickly become an invaluable asset to the Hopkinsville Tigers, making them a team to watch out for come tournament time.
As the season progresses, Sharp proves his worth as a top defender and is a strong contender for the 2023 Naismith Men’s Defensive Player of the Year award. His impressive presence on the court will no doubt be felt when the award is announced in the spring.
