London’s Shaedon Sharpe arrives in Portland following NBA draft
You could say Thursday night was a slam dunk for the Forest City and for London, Ont. native Shaedon Sharpe.
Sharpe was drafted into the NBA and was picked seventh overall by the Portland Trail Blazers.
Speaking to CTV News Friday afternoon shortly after landing in Portland with his family, Sharpe said he is looking forward to what lies ahead.
“[I’m] feeling really good, really just excited to get started,” he said. “We flew into Portland this morning. Got a little tour around the place, so I mean I’m just getting really excited to get started.”
Sharpe credits the hard work he put into playing basketball and support from his family and friends as propelling him throughout his journey.
Shaedon Sharpe, right, shakes hands with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver after being selected seventh overall by the Portland Trailblazers in the NBA basketball draft, Thursday, June 23, 2022, in New York. (AP Photo/John Minchillo)
He admitted that he was nervous during Thursday night's NBA draft because he didn’t know where he was going to end up.
The former Beal Secondary School student was technically a Kentucky Wildcat, but had never played a game prior to the draft.
Speaking to CTV News Friday, his father Robert Sharpe said he could not be more proud of all that this son has accomplished.
“I think the key to his success was, you know, we have a great group of people — our circle we maintain very small, but you know, he’s got awesome, awesome support from his grandparents, to his parents…brother and sisters — we sacrificed a lot,” he said.
“We all went above above and beyond the call of duty to help him reach his dream,” Sharpe’s father added.
The first game of the 2022 season for the Portland Trail Blazers will kick off on Oct. 20.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.