Next Up Canada: The Rise of Virginia Commit Ishan Sharma
Canadian National Player of the Year. All-Canadian. NPA & OSBA MVP & Champion. National Team Member. The list goes on.
But none of this came overnight.
For anyone that’s known or covered Ishan throughout his basketball career, they know that it’s no coincidence he’s gotten to this point.
From being a skinny kid from Milton, Ontario, to evolving into a young man mature beyond his years. His tireless work ethic is what led him to becoming one of the top basketball prospects not only in Canada, but all of North America. His elite level 3pt shooting, scoring feel, basketball IQ, & infectious spirit are all translatable to the next level.
Now committed to play at Virginia in the ACC with a skillset in high demand, it’s very likely he makes an instant impact with his ability to space the floor & release pressure off other guards through his spot-up shooting.
Q: Where are you from and when did you start hooping?
A: I’m from Milton, Ontario, and I started playing basketball when I was 5 years old.
Q: When did you fall in-love with the game?
A: I remember watching Kobe and the Lakers in the 2010 NBA finals vs the Celtics. I watched how they moved, and not knowing anything about the game, I fell in love with it. I wanted to go outside and try everything out in the driveway and be just like them. I started shooting on the net with my brother, and from there, everyday, I fell deeper in love with it. They sound of the ball on concrete, the swishes, the misses, the smell of the leather, I was obsessed. It all started with Kobe and the 2010 Lakers.
Q: Which players do you model your game after?
A: I watch players such as Devin Booker, Klay Thompson, Tyler Herro, SGA, KOBE, Peja Stoiokovitch, JJ Redick, Duncan Robinson, and I try and take bits and pieces of their game and add it to mine.
Q: What’s something people might not know about you? (Fun fact)
A: A fun fact about me that people may not know is that I like to solve rubick cubes on my free time, which is a nerdy little hobby.
Q: What can fans at Virginia expect from you this fall?
A: Virginia fans can expect a high character kid who will be the hardest worker in the room. Someone who is willing to do whatever the team needs to be successful, and bring a sense of confidence, poise, and energy to the team.
Q: Which parts of your game are you working to improve the most?
A: Right now, I am currently working on getting strength and size to my frame, as well as continuing to work on my reads off of pin downs, flares, and ball screens.
Q: What are your Freshman season goals?
A: As a freshman, I want to come in and contribute in any way I can and help my team make a deep run in the tournament. I want to win the ACC, and be a freshman that can be trusted in those moments.
