Homegrown Winner Sharron Young Enters Portal… And WVU Should Be Paying Attention
MORGANTOWN, West Virginia — Sometimes the best fits are the ones right in front of you.
Former Morgantown High standout Sharron Young is officially entering the transfer portal after two seasons at Akron, and it’s hard not to look at this and think… WVU should absolutely be involved.
This isn’t just another name in the portal.
This is a proven winner. A local guy. And someone who checks a lot of boxes for what West Virginia needs.
Akron’s Sharron Young will enter the transfer portal, per his agent KJ Smith of Range Sports.
Averaged 7.2 PPG.
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) April 3, 2026
Built on Winning
Before Akron, before college, Young was doing one thing in Morgantown…
Winning.
Three straight state championships at Morgantown High. Not one. Not two. Three.
If you know, you know. That doesn’t happen by accident.
That’s leadership. That’s toughness. That’s a guy who understands how to play in big moments.
Productive at Akron
Young carried that same mentality to Akron, where he played an important role on one of the better mid-major programs in the country.
The Zips went 29-6 this past season and dominated the MAC at 17-1. Young started 12 games and appeared in all 34, averaging:
- 7.2 points
- 2.6 rebounds
- 1.6 assists
- 1.1 steals
- 18.9 minutes per game
He shot over 40 percent from the field and knocked down threes at a solid clip.
But the numbers only tell part of the story.
He helped Akron win another conference tournament title and reach the NCAA Tournament. That matters.
He’s played in meaningful games. He’s been part of winning basketball.
Why He Fits WVU
This one just makes sense.
Young is a guard who defends, competes, and understands how to play within a system. He doesn’t need the ball to impact the game, but he can handle it, score when needed, and make plays.
More importantly, he brings something WVU has lacked at times…
Consistency and toughness.
And let’s not ignore the obvious. He’s from Morgantown.
You’re talking about a guy who knows what this program means, who has already built a winning reputation in this state, and who would embrace putting on that jersey.
The Situation
Young entered the portal following a coaching change at Akron, with longtime head coach John Groce moving on. He made it clear in his announcement that he’s exploring options but hasn’t shut the door on a return.
Still, this is exactly the type of player you go after.
The Bottom Line
Sharron Young isn’t a flashy portal name.
He’s better than that.
He’s a winner. A competitor. A guy who has proven it at every level he’s played.
And if West Virginia is serious about building a roster that can compete night in and night out, this is the type of addition that helps you do it.
Sometimes the right move is the obvious one.
This feels like one of those times.
