Jamarion Sharp poses a big challenge for Kentucky

Jamarion Sharp leads the nation in blocked shots and already has a triple-double this year. (Western Kentucky Athletics Photo)

Not only is junior Jamarion Sharp the tallest player in college basketball at 7-5, but he’s the tallest player ever to play for Western Kentucky University. Going into tonight’s game at Kentucky, Sharp leads the nation in blocked shot percentage (19.7 percent), total blocks (58), and blocks per game (4.8). Since entering the starting lineup three weeks ago he’s averaging 10.3 points, 8.9 rebounds, and 6.3 blocks per game and shooting 77 percent (37 of 48) from the field.

“Let me tell you, the games that I’ve watched he’s like Casper. He’s like the ghost that’s in there when you start driving. He’s in there,” Calipari said.

Sharp had the third triple-double in Western history when he had 10 points, 12 rebounds and 10 blocks against Alabama A&M. It was just the 18th triple-double in the NCAA since 2010 with points, rebounds, and blocks.

However, Calipari said the Hilltoppers, who beat Ole Miss and Louisville in their last two games, have more than just Sharp for his team to worry about.

“This is going to be a hard game for us to win. I don’t care that we’re at home. They’ve got a 7-foot-5 guy and they’ve got two guys that can really shoot the ball, and they’ve got their leading scorer who is an attack dog. And so, when you watch them, you’re like, ‘Wow,'” Calipari said. “They run good stuff.”

Calipari said sophomore point guard Dayvion McKnight, a former Kentucky Mr. Basketball, is the “guy that stores the drink” for Western. He is the only player in the country averaging at least 14 points, six rebounds, six assists and two steals per game this season. He’s also had a triple-double this season.

“He might be the most effective player in controlling the game and scoring baskets,” Calipari said Tuesday.

Kentucky is playing Western Kentucky because Louisville could not play its scheduled game in Rupp Arena because of COVID protocols. However, Calipari said not to underestimate the Hilltoppers.

“You can’t come into this game and not play well, or you’ll lose,” Calipari said. “You’re talking about a top program, and what they’re doing now is, they’ve got a good team. I mean, they beat Mississippi good. They beat Louisville good. Louisville made some 3’s to make it close. I mean, this is a team with the leading shot blocker, shooters. They’re well-coached. (Coach) Rick (Stansbury) does a great job. He always has.

“This is a dangerous (game). I don’t want it to call it a no-win because it’s a win. Playing the game is a win. We’re playing basketball.”

Stansbury, a Kentucky native and former head coach at Mississippi State, knows this will not likely become an annual game.

“Being realistic about it, I don’t think that will happen,” Stansbury said. “People want us to play Kentucky every year, and we’d love to. But Kentucky doesn’t have much to gain by playing us. I get that. They’re supposed to beat us. So, I get not wanting to play us.”