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It’s hard to find new ways to praise Kentucky freshman Reed Sheppard. He keeps seeing his name positioned prominently on NBA draft boards and continues to make plays on the court to help Kentucky win.
“Great shooters are also great passers in transition,” ESPN analyst Jimmy Dykes said. “He is a basketball savant. We talk about guys who see the game one pass ahead and that truly is Reed Sheppard. His defensive instincts, his passing instincts are all good.”
Dykes said whether it is as a spot-up shooter, transition scorer, or getting open out of the pick-and-roll, Sheppard is as “elite a shooter as there is in college basketball’ this season.
Dykes, a former Kentucky assistant coach under Eddie Sutton, understands the passion of the UK fan base and the love for in-state players like Sheppard. He could see a day when Kentucky fans appreciate Sheppard even more.
“I do not know if he wants to get into coaching but it would not shock me 25 to 30 years down the road if Reed Sheppard is not the head coach here at Kentucky,” Dykes said.
Even former Duke coach Mike Krzyzewski’s podcast is a Sheppard fan. He recently had Calipari on his podcast.
“You have my favorite guy in Reed Sheppard, who’s like a wind-up doll that never makes a mistake,” Krzyzewski told Calipari after complimenting how UK shares the ball and does not turn it over.
Calipari did tell the former Duke coach that Sheppard made a huge mistake when he fouled a 3-point shooter late in the win at Florida with UK leading by four points.
“He had to show that he was human,” Krzyzewski told Calipari. “Because up until that point, he was not human. And then the look on his face, like, ‘Am I a dummy or what?’ I loved it.”
25 Responses
The way to recognize Reed’s talent and contributions to his team is by rewarding him with a starting position on his team.
Everyone in the basketball world seems to recognize his outstanding play, yet he is not worthy of a starting position on this team.
Shame on you John Calipari.
That is a clueless point Prof. Who starts is not important. Cal has a great rotation now so why would he or any coach on the planet mess with that. You are just another clueless fan that puts waaayyy too much emphasis on who starts. Take a Valium, calm down and enjoy this incredible season.
Exactly!!
Squeal Calipari lovers SQUEAL!!!!
You want to know who the coach values, it isn’t who starts, it is who he puts in to finish the game, when the outcome is on the line. And come crunch time, it is time for Reed to be on the floor. ‘Nuff said.
Being a former basketball player I did recognize that some players just play better coming off the bench. They’ve had a little time to view the opposing players and analyze ther attributes and weaknesses to try and improve on them. I agree with Coach Cals decision to do what he thinks best for the team.
There’s NO SHAME in not starting because all your BEST players doesn’t necessarily has to be in the TEAM’S starting lineup … I define THE TEAM’S BEST PLAYERS as those that are on the floor when WINNING time & Reed most of the time is ON THE FLOOR .. There are times he displays "freshman" tendencies like they all do but coming in from the bench allows him (and others) time evaluate the game, play it accordingly and it ENHANCES the "things" that brings to the game .. Devil’s Advocate: If Reed started I WOULD NOT BE MAD 😉
Why not let the coach call the game! It is evidently working well. When he comes off the bench it brings a new energy to his teammates and the opponents tighten up! This of course is a young team with just the right seasoned players. When have you seen such crowd excitement? Go Blue
Some players don’t necessarily start a game but Cal subs Sheppard and Dillingham short of 5 minutes and always ends the 1st and second half on the floor that energy he provides usually results in a very good infusion of sprinting end to end. I personally like the way things are shaping up for UK this season they are getting better every game especially with big Z entering the rotation just think how fresh this team will be come March
Don’t mess with whats’ working. Starting doesn’t matter because there are so many good players on this team and you can only start 5. You can make an argument for starting 8 or 9 different guys and most are getting Starter minutes, that’s what matters. It takes a special mindset to come off the bench and play like you have been playing the whole game. Dillingham and Sheppard have that ability and coming off the bench doesn’t hurt their effort, pride, or draft stock. No reason to replace the engine when it purrs like a kitten!
Preach it OldFan
AMEN!
Same old Calipari will never change the way he coaches. Did Booker the same way look at Booker now.
Of all the dumb takes in the history of the internet, this is one of the dumbest. Do you remember that team? They went undefeated until the final four. Dominated teams. You think that team was coached incorrectly? One of the most dominant college basketball teams of all time?
It kinda matters. We have not gotten off to too many hot starts. And, we come out in the 2nd and suffer. In comes Reed and Rob and the tides start turning quickly. What happens if we come out off the tip hot, come out for the 2nd hot. I can’t remember the team but a few games ago, UK is rolling in the 1st, up by 18-20 going into the half. Comes out and the lead is cut to like 4 or something. In comes Reed and Rob, 3 minutes later, back up to 12-15 range. Some version of this has happened in most every game. Whenever Edwards heads to the bench, UK improves on both ends.
You have some good common sense ..
I’m certainly in agreement with OldFan, this team in totally involved with Cal’s system & they all seem to be totally in sinc with each other. To see the joy in the teammate’s faces when Big Z came out was great. Cal needs to just keep working on the D as they will need it in the Auburn/Tennessee games. Also the 2 road games this week. Go Big Blue
With you John Michael
To me Sheppard is more Havlecik than Bird. You think?
I like that Big Fan
UK has two starting five teams this season 💙
Cal told milt Wagner he would start his kin folk as a freshman if he came to ky. Can’t break your word Cal. Very easy to see. I played ball. Every one wants to start.BAR NONE. Anyone who thinks otherwise is kidding themselves. WORD !
I am 84 years old, and I have seen a few coaches come and go at UK and I have stuck by them all. My Faith sustains me and I shall not be moved from a Kentucky Wildcat fan. But I will say, I sure like our little hometown boy Reed Shepherd. He’s a joy to watch, and anyone who doesn’t appreciate his talent needs to have their head checked.
With you Mary Elizabeth and God bless you for sticking with the Cats — and I think we all love Reed
Just remember that none of us coach bball, and especially that good. Anyone on here a HOF at anything?
Didn’t think so!