Vicky Graff Photo
John Calipari is doing nothing to downplay the excitement Kentucky fans have about freshman Reed Sheppard.
The Kentucky Mr. Basketball from North Laurel has been a statewide name for years and was an immediate fan favorite when he signed with UK. His impressive play during UK’s four exhibition games in Toronto in July only made Kentucky fans more hopeful that he could be a major contributor to this year’s team.
“He’s been really good,” Calipari said at Wednesday’s Media Day. “He’s one of those guys and Jordan (Burks) is one of those guys that don’t have that expectation stuff where I have to live up to this or that. They are just playing.
“The pro day — every pro scout loved Jordan. Part of it is because they’ve never seen them before. They look at a 6-8 guy there saying “Oh, my gosh this kid here.’”
However, Calipari again noted that the NBA scouts also loved what Sheppard did blocking five 3-point shots in Canada in four games.
“What’s the shot they are all trying to guard? That 3 and here’s a kid blocking five of them, so he’s done stuff he makes everybody better,” Calipari said. “He doesn’t have any ego about it.”
Calipari pointed out how Sheppard did not shoot well in UK’s Blue-White Game in Northern Kentucky last week but had the highest overall grade of any UK player, including Rob Dillingham who had 40 points.
“He had seven rebounds, five or six assists, four steals, and didn’t make shots, and you walk away saying he had the biggest impact on the game,” Calipari said.
“So if I’m this team I want him on the floor with me when I play. So greatest kid.”
6 Responses
The entire BBN wants to see Reed on ther floor! I for one expect it to happen!
What players don’t want him on the floor? If there are any, they need to go.
More minutes for Shepherd, and deservingly so, means less minutes for Reeves, Dillingham, and Wagner. Thiero is going to push Edwards for minutes. Burkes will be counted on for more minutes until PT for Z, Onyenso, and Bradshaw becomes a reality instead of speculation. If all of those 3 do play, then the guy that all of the pro scouts loved on our pro day will ride the bench. Calipari needs to focus some of his recruiting on kids who will be obvious role players instead of 10 kids who expect starter’s minutes.
Those are some very amusing commits
Remember when everyone was saying Cal doesn’t play kids from Kentucky and Shepard wouldn’t see the floor? So what y’all saying now. Also not a big Cal guy either so just saying.
Reed has been sensational