Josh Sharkey (‘20) signs contract with Birmingham Squadron
Josh Sharkey, one of the all-time great Samford basketball players, is back in Bham.
The 5-foot-10-inch veteran guard was recently acquired by the Birmingham Squadron, the G-League affiliate for the New Orleans Pelicans. Sharkey brings experience, youth and grit to a Squadron team that just made the playoffs for the first time in franchise history.
Before joining the Squadron, Sharkey had been starring overseas. Undrafted in 2020, Sharkey chose to play abroad in Germany (2020-21) and Poland (2021-22). While playing in Germany for Tigers Tübingen, Sharkey averaged around 15 points a game, three rebounds and five assists.
After his stint with the German squad, Sharkey played professionally in Poland for two separate clubs, Legia Warszawa and Pszczolka Start Lublin. In four games with Warszawa, Sharkey replicated his output in Germany: he averaged around 15 points, three rebounds, five assists and two steals per game.
Throughout his young career traveling overseas, Sharkey still recognizes the impact that Samford had on his personal and professional development.
“Samford was a place where I came in as an 18-year-old immature kid and grew into the man I am today,” Sharkey said. “I learned so much about myself and built lifetime relationships with so many amazing people.”
After a brief stint with the Philadelphia 76ers’ G-League affiliate, the Delaware Blue Coats, Sharkey’s career came full circle as the Squadron acquired him on March 30. Sharkey made his debut for the Squadron on April 3 against the Memphis Hustle, where he played one minute but made his first field goal — a three-pointer.
“It feels amazing to be back,” Sharkey added. “Birmingham is like my second home and is a place I will always have love for.”
Sharkey, as many Samford fans may know, is a legend in his own right, as he is the all-time leader in games played, assists, and steals for the Bulldogs.
Furthermore, Sharkey was second-team All-SoCon in 2019, Third-team All-SoCon in 2020, and made the SoCon All-Freshman Team in 2016. Overall, the addition of Sharkey to the Birmingham Squadron brings back a hometown hero to the city, as well as a veteran presence and a proven scorer.
“To be able to play for the Squadron and have the opportunity to play in front of these fans on a professional level is a dream come true,” he said. “To also see the love and support from the Samford students, faculty and alumni really warms my heart and I am so appreciative of them.”
Looking at the roster for the Squadron, college hoop heads will recognize many familiar names.
Auburn alumnus Jared Harper, who recently signed a two-way contract with the Pelicans, was a two-time second-team All-SEC player. Justin Wright-Foreman, a Hofstra legend, was a two-time Honorable Mention All-American.
Time will tell if Sharkey and his new teammates can make the jump from the G-League to the NBA, but for now, the Samford hero will look to make his impact on a promising young squad.
Sports Editor
