Vicky Graff Photo
He missed all four 3-point shots he attempted — something that seldom happens — but freshman Reed Sheppard still showed Wednesday during Kentucky’s 81-73 win over Germany at the GLOBAL Jam in Toronto that he can contribute more than just scoring.
In about 17 minutes of play, he had six assists, three rebounds and two steals. He had an assist to leading scorer Antonio Reeves almost immediately after coming into the game and early in the second quarter got another assist after his first steal.
“He played great today,” UK freshman teammate DJ Wagner said after the win. “He played intense. He played hard.”
Kentucky coach John Calipari liked what he saw, too.
“He got his hands on balls. He had assists. He’s an unbelievable thrower-in. You guys don’t even know because – that is, like, sideline out, baseline, the thrower-in is really important and he is always calm and waits and waits and throws it to the right guy,” the Kentucky coach said.
Maybe Sheppard’s ability as a “thrower-in” will improve UK’s out of bounds efficiency. Sheppard threw a cross-court pass on an inbounds play to Jordan Burks that resulted in an easy score.
Calipari said Sheppard was even better in a closed scrimmage against Africa in Toronto on Wednesday. Calipari said the freshman was “unbelievable” in that scrimmage.
Sophomore Adou Thiero said not to worry about Sheppard’s scoring.
“Seeing him in practice and everything, I know he can shoot, get to the hoop,” Thiero said. “He can pass. His passing is really, like, that really got me. He threw that lob with one second left (on the shot clock).
“I wasn’t expecting that. He’s just making great plays.”
4 Responses
He should get some valuable minutes this year. Effort and hustle always pay off. I loved that pass over his shoulder to Wagner. That just shows his awareness of where everyone is and where he is. You can’t teach that. Reminded me of Roger Harden’s over the head backwards pass to Kenny Walker years ago.
I agree. The steal and pass to Wagner was instinctive, and the inbounds play with 1 second on the shot clock was marvelous. Calipari has never been able to coach in bound plays.
Reed has a very high basketball IQ, and he will deserve considerable playing time. The question is whether he will get it.
Sheppard will play. Go, Go, Go, Cats!!!
If yesterdays game is any indication, he will get plenty of PT. He is a baller!