'This is his dream': Londoner Shaedon Sharpe's dad reflects on NBA draft

Growing up, Shaedon Sharpe's main focus was to make it to the NBA and now he's on his way.

"You could see the love and the passion in him anytime he stepped on the basketball court and had the ball in his hand," said Rob Sharpe, Shaedon's dad.

Shaedon Sharpe, a 19-year-old basketball player from London, Ont., was drafted to the Portland Trail Blazers as the number seven pick in the first round on Thursday. Sharpe had joined the Kentucky Wildcats in January but had never played a game with the college team.

When the draft selection was announced Thursday night, Rob Sharpe said he felt his heart drop.

"This is his dream … that was his main focus even from a young age, and he stuck to it," he said.

Shaedon Sharpe started playing sports when he was around three years old. He first played football but later switched to basketball after a leg injury.

Personality-wise, Rob Sharpe said his son is a very humble kid.

"When you first meet him, he's quite reserved and quiet. But as you get to know him, watch out. He's just a fun-loving guy," he said.

But when it comes to his style of play, Sharpe said his son is very aggressive.

Shaedon Sharpe's trainer, Dave Sewell, said when it comes to basketball, everyone can see Sharpe's jumping abilities and that he's got limitless range.

"He could possibly be a generational talent," he said.

Sewell was first introduced to Sharpe when he was a student at H.B. Beal Secondary School in London.

"My first impression of the kid was that you knew he had a chance right from the get-go," he said, adding that he has a good team and great family behind him.

'Never forget where you came from'

Shaedon Sharpe has two siblings, an older sister and a younger brother. Rob Sharpe said both of them are in awe of him, and support him 100 per cent.

Rob Sharpe said he is always telling his son to never forget where he came from.

"Growing up in London, Ontario, you know, don't ever forget where you've come from, that these are your roots. And, you know, London, Ontario, and all of this support pretty much defined who he is," he said.

He said it also feels great to know that his son is making history for people in London.

"I just want this to be a perfect example for other talented athletes in the city, to look at this and see that it is a possibility, and any dream… is a possibility," he said.