Stacey, center, and Jeff Sheppard, right, were in Toronto to watch their son play. (Vicky Graff Photo)
While some wondered how Reed Sheppard might fit into Kentucky coach John Calipari’s plans for this season, the UK freshman made it clear in Kentucky’s four wins in Toronto in July that he was absolutely ready to contribute in a big way this season.
However, there will be no “I told you so” or bragging from Sheppard about his play. His parents, Stacey and Jeff Sheppard would not allow that. The two former UK basketball players were both humble over their success on the basketball court and their son is the same way.
“My parents brought me up the right way. They have told me a lot of things. They know how to act and taught me the right way to do things,” Sheppard said. “Mom and Dad are super humble and super kind.
“You cannot tell their accomplishments by how they acted. You would never think Dad won two national titles and was a Final Four MVP. He is super unselfish. Mom is the same way. They are just both super, super kind people.”
Sheppard’s parents were in Toronto and were shown several times on TV enjoying their son’s Kentucky debut.
“They get vocal during some of the games,” the Kentucky freshman said. “Mom usually won’t say much. Dad can get a little loud sometimes but he tries to hold it back. I understand he loves me and tries to do all he can to help me. But there is not much yelling anymore. They can both get their points across to me without yelling.”
21 Responses
Class ActsBoth of them! Stay Humble you are going Far!!
Yes they are Nancy
Absolutely wonderful article about positive role models. So uplifting to read about Reed Sheppard and his parents! Plus it’s about basketball! 🏀
Great role models for anyone Denise
Dicky V after seeing Reed in Toronto. He’s no 4 star. He is a 5 star PTPer. Obviously he liked what he saw. We will too.
I hope he plays 4 years
And bring a championship. With NiL, might be a good call. Mock drafts are well ..mock drafts
He is a supper young man his dad is same he about ky all the way
Coach sure did wait awhile to recruit him. Maybe his side vs. our side got to him haha.
I got to see that dunk live in the ECAC game at Madison Square Garden. Equalizer
Like to see his father as coach. Already knows how to run a camp. Great job!
Greg, Kentucky been recruiting him sense his soph uear of hs, offerd his Jr. Year. And he will have his jersey retired next to his dad’s 1 day.
Can you forward this to Coach Cal.
Ask the Shepherds to host a Clinic for ALL Kentucky athletes Both male and female….how to act on and off the courts. Manners are free, and there is no common sense in the world anymore. But it used to mean something to play for UK.
Great parents; great kid. Reed will be an asset for our team both on and off the court.
I am New to Kentucky Basketball, after Living in Ohio, but I was able To Watch Reed Play a lot this Last Season at North Laurel! I was a absolute Pleasure to Watch him and His Teammates Play! Reed is Very Good, but also Very Unselfish! His Parents have Done a Great Job! This Young Man will Be A Great Player at Kentucky!!
Well said David
We watched Stacy win State Championship as eighth grader at Laurel. She won again as a Senior
and beat our daughter’s team ( Clark County) in Finals. We admired her as a player, but even more as a person. Her mother was a very kind and humble supporter.
We’re so anxious to see what God has planned for Reed 🙏
Right on all counts Sherrie
I never knew Stacy was Reed’s mother…My late wife coached at Oldham County back in the hay day. And followed Laurel County back in the day. Their daughter played at Campbellsville and she was special.
I have been a Kentucky fan since my third cousin, Ralph Beard, stared with the Wildcats. I haven’t been able to watch games yet because of sickness. I’m anxious to see Reed play . Today, I hope. I’m sure he’ll measure up to all that has been said about him. The entire family is a great displayer of how to be and act as human beings. I wish all of us could be like them in actions and humility.
Hope you get better Edward and your cousin was a special player
Moved to Kentucky 5 years ago and also from Ohio and your comment was right on the mark. The Shepherds are a great example of how you should be humble and kind and I love watching Reed and this years team play.
Humble is a great word for them Bud