Reed Sheppard's parents, Stacey and Jeff Sheppard, liked what they saw from their son Friday but a fan next to them was even happier after one of his seven 3-pointers. (Vicky Graff Photo)
This was the game that Reed Sheppard made it known that he deserves to be playing basketball at the University of Kentucky.
It doesn’t seem long ago that many were predicting coach John Calipari would sit him on the bench and not give him an opportunity. There were even some talking heads predicting he could not compete with the other recruits for playing time and perhaps it would be best if he went where he would see significant playing time.
So what did Sheppard do Friday night? He scored a game- high 25 points, including going 7-for-8 from beyond the arc, dished out seven assists, grabbed three rebounds, made three steals and blocked two shots. He did this all while playing only 26 minutes.
If this Sheppard keeps up by the end of the season when Jeff Sheppard is shown on the Jumbotron the caption will read: Reed Sheppard’s father.
Stonehill did not back down and in the opening minutes jumped to a 6-2 lead but it wasn’t long until the Wildcats took control and at the half led 58-37. The Cats pounced on the 3-2 zone in the second half and cruised to a 101-67 win.
This team is fun to watch. Fans hold their breath when Robert Dillingham flies down the floor not knowing what is going to occur. The ball movement is something Kentucky fans have not seen in many years. The shooters are not afraid to shoot. The days of boring basketball seem to be in the rear window, at least for this season.
The Wildcats shot 63.9 percent for the game and shot 53.1 percent from 3-point range. They were 6-8 from the free throw line. Kentucky’s bench combined for 47 points while Stonehill’s bench only contributed 13 points total.
Next up for the Cats is Saint Joseph’s on Monday. They average 38 3-point attempts each game so it is safe to say it could be raining 3’s in Rupp Arena on Monday evening.
17 Responses
The ones blaming Cal the past 3yrs will see that the players were the problem. After 2020 the high school talent pool dropped. This year and the 24′ and 25′ classes are loaded. Recruiting has been the problem, but not anymore.
Well, Jimmy, why did the other teams not have a problem recruiting? We just did not sign some players. They went to Kansas they went to Duke, Arkansas, Alabama, Tennessee. Cal did not recruit as well. As he had in the past, he brought some new assistants and that seem to help. Clinton.
For those of us who are a certain age, Jeff will never be known as anyone but the MOP of the 1998 Final Four. 😉. Other than that, excellent article.
Amen to that. Jeff Sheppard was too special to not be acknowledged for what he was. High character and high acheiving, outstanding player in his own right.
Whole Sheppard family is special
Cal knew what he was getting while watching him in high school. The kid WAS their team. Put him together with more talented players and see what he can do. Safe to say I think he’s doing pretty well. Alot better than what most people believed anyways.
Reed Sheppard is what Cal needs our team could be great if our coach will play the right people by
Excellent assessment of "The Great White Hope" and 💙🏀💙 GO BIG BLUE 💙🏀💙
Why would you say that? That’s racist. The MVP in the NBA is white.
I hope Cal doesn’t start pushing the two or three NBA picks ahead of Shep, as he is far ahead of these guys when it comes to what to do on the floor. He is one level headed baller.
He always has, is doing it again, and he will NEVER change.
He is a fraud.
Never ever Doughted Reed Shepherd.!! He knows exactly what is expected of a kentucky wildcat..FROM DAY 1
GOD BLESS HIS PARENTS. !!!
Let’s hope one bad game doesn’t land him on the end of the bench with Coach Cal. As for Wagner/Edward’s, stick with em a few more games. Those guys have the talent and it will come full circle. Play this right and old Cal has a potential final 4 team at his disposal. Knowing how to keep them confidant, on the same page, team-mates, and who knows how it could shake out. Would be nice to win it all. It being Ky, I hate saying that sheepishly. But, things have been rough since 2015. It is what it is
Kids from Kentucky want to win. They know how the game needs to be played. It means a lot to them wearing that Kentucky uniform.
Absolutely correct Rodney. They play for the name on their chest. You don’t get much of that anymore.
I’m a huge uk fan, but we could have 12 Reed Shepherds and Cal would still loose 1st round in SEC and NCAA tourney. I’m not alone in this assessment.
Jeff Sheppard was not only MOP of the Final Four. He was also selected MOP of the SEC Tournament and the NCAA Regional.