In a move that shouldn’t surprise anyone, Kentucky Wildcats guard Reed Sheppard announced he would enter the NBA Draft on Thursday. Big Blue Nation will be disappointed, but it was the right decision.
Being the son of a Kentucky legend made the younger Sheppard a popular player before he even played a game. He was a four-star prospect who was ranked in the top 100, and was the top player in the state of Kentucky.
Sheppard was expected to play behind the more highly rated guards that the Wildcats recruited, but he quickly became one of the brightest stars.
In his first eight games, Sheppard scored 20 points or more three times. He became known for his uncanny ability to create steals as well as his deadly three-point range. Even playing from off the bench, he was one of the most impactful players on the team.
On the year, Sheppard averaged 12.5 points per game. He added over four assists and four rebounds per game, and led the SEC with 2.5 steals per game.
A lot of fans thought Reed might stay one more year under new Wildcats coach Mark Pope. Pope played with Reed’s father Jeff at Kentucky. Most analysts, though, think Reed Sheppard is a top ten pick, and that was likely the biggest factor.
With Sheppard’s exit, every regular contributor from last year’s Kentucky team is gone. Mark Pope will set about rebuilding the roster, while Wildcats fans will certainly be rooting for Reed, wherever he winds up.