By Keith Taylor
Kentucky Today
Time flies when you’re having fun and Reed Sheppard has enjoyed every minute of his freshman season at Kentucky.
“This year has flown by,” said Sheppard, who was named Southeastern Conference Freshman of the Year Monday. “Being able to play in Rupp Arena in front of the best fans in the world for a lot of games this year was awesome.”
Sheppard was one of only two players who made an appearance all 31 games during the regular season and started five games for the Wildcats. He averaged 12.7 points per game, third behind leading scorer Antonio Reeves (20.2 ppg.) and Rob Dillingham (15 ppg.). Sheppard also had 140 assists and 78 steals and made 71 shots from long range.
Reed Sheppard reacts after Kentucky’s win over Miami earlier this season. (Photo by Les Nicholson, Kentucky Today)
The North Laurel High School product and reigning Kentucky Mr. Basketball drew praise from John Calipari, who relied on Sheppard to fill a variety of roles in the backcourt at various times this season. At times he has been a point guard and during other sequences, he has been a shooting guard.
“(He’s a) great teammate, terrific player, (and has an) unbelievable feel (for the game) and reactions (on the court),” said Calipari. “… I love coaching him because he’s an unbelievable teammate. The guys know they can count on him.”
Calipari added that Sheppard also has a “coaches mentality” and it has shown during discussions between the coach and player.
“He will come to me with stuff (dealing with) different players,” Calipari said. “He’s the greatest in that. … Just give (the ball) to Robert (Dillingham) and we will get away from it.”
Former Kentucky and current St. John’s coach Rick Pitino, who coached Sheppard’s son Jeff at Kentucky, has followed Reed’s progression all season and also has been impressed with Sheppard’s progress.
“He’s tremendous,” Pitino said. “He’s a great shooter, great passer (and) he’s extremely athletic.”
Sheppard hasn’t been the lone ranger when it comes to being among the top players on the team and credits his teammates for having a role in his success. He’s third on the team in scoring behind Reeves and Dillingham.
“That’s what’s so special about this group is that, any one person or multiple people can go out and and go crazy” he said. “That’s what’s so special about this group and everybody’s OK with it. No one’s going to be mad if Rob (Dillingham having a good game) or if it’s Antonio’s night. Everyone’s going to be happy and supportive. That’s what’s so special about this group.”
Sheppard is glad to be a part of a squad that is carrying a five-game winning streak into the postseason. The Wildcats (23-8) are the No. 2 seed in the Southeastern Conference Tournament that begins Wednesday in Nashville. They also are trending for a No. 3 seed in the NCAA Tournament.
“I’m glad I don’t have to play against this team,” he said. “I’m glad I don’t have to guard our guards. As a guard in practice, and that’s hard enough (and) I’m glad I don’t have to go out and compete against them for 40 minutes. I’m very happy and lucky to have them as my teammates.”
When the season does come to an end, will Sheppard be a one-and-done or return for a second season?
“He’s got a big decision to make,” Pitino said. “He’s probably a top eight pick in the draft. He’s the closest thing to a Rex Chapman for Kentucky. Does he stay? Does he leave? Because they’re (Jeff and Stacey) two Kentucky people. I think I know the answer to that question, but I’ll keep it to myself.”
Until then, Sheppard intends to stay in the moment instead of looking ahead toward the future.
