Vicky Graff Photo
It had to be a no-brainer for the Southeastern Conference to name Kentucky’s Reed Sheppard its Freshman of the Week for the third time this season after what he did at Mississippi State last week.
Not only did he hit the game-winning shot just before the final buzzer, but he finished with a career-high 32 points along with seven assists, five rebounds, two blocks and two steals.
If that was not impressive enough, he got 23 of his points in the second half — including 11 in the final 93 seconds.
According to UK media relations, it was the only game of 30-or more points, seven-plus assists, five-plus rebounds, two-plus blocks and two-plus steals in the NCAA this season and one of only 11 such games going back to 1996-97.
Sheppard is the first Kentucky player in the last 25 seasons to record multiple games with 25 points, five rebounds and five assists and the first Kentucky player with 30 points, five boards and five assists in a game since Derek Anderson in November of 1996.
Sheppard came back with 10 points in the win over Arkansas and averaged 21 points, 6.5 assists, one block and one steal per game last week. He also hot 66.7 percent from the field, 54.5 percent from 3 and 100 percent at the foul line.
He leads Kentucky and the SEC in steals with 76 — already third on UK’s single-season list.
Only seven Kentucky players have ever averaged more than two steals per game in a season, including twice by Rajon Rondo — 2.56 as a freshman and 2.03 as a sophomore.
Cliff Hawkins (2.31), Rodrick Rhodes (2.30), Kyle Macy (2.23), John Pelphrey (2.18), Reggie Hanson (2.18) and Nerlens Noel (2.08) also averaged more than two steals per game. Noel was the only one to do it during coach John Calipari’s time at UK and the best single season total by a Calipari was John Wall with 66 before Sheppard surpassed that mark.
Sheppard trails only Rondo (87) and Wayne Turner (79) on UK’s single-season steals list.
10 Responses
Too bad Reed isn’t good enough to start on a double-digit loss UK team but many say he will be a high lottery pick in June, as high as #2 in some forecasts.
Calipari doesn’t care about winning or losing. He only cares about moving his PETS to the NBA without delay, and if wearing a UK uniform risk any delay in that march to June, then the PET feigns some injury and sits.
He is good enough to start. But minutes played, and being a finisher are just
as important as starting. And he wouldn’t be playing more minutes if he did start.
I disagree with the rest of your comment, but respect your right to express it.
You may be right, and I may be wrong. Or, we could both be right. Don’t stop
commenting.
Well professor Reed logs the third most minutes behind Mitchell and Reeves. Cal shouldn’t play any of his "pets" the rest of the year. You would be sure to get a head start on your hate material for next season. Sheppard will be making $MILLIONS$ in the NBA next year. Cry about that.
I agree that Reed should start. Along with the best of the most efficient players on the team. Which also include Tre, Reeves, & Dillingham. Only one of those players started the last game. Reed makes everyone better. Everyone! Not just one player but all of the players on the floor with him.
I also agree that his total playing time per game is important. It looks like that has improved over the last 3 games bringing his average to almost 29 minutes per game- 3rd most on the team. I don’t care how many minutes (actually I do care) everyone else gets- Reed needs to be at or above 35 minutes per game. Remember that he makes everyone else better. Would you not want him to be on the floor when you are playing? Add 6 minutes per game over the course of our season and see what that does to our team efficiency.
Sad that he didn’t get Calipari’s vote.
If starting is not important to these players, then why all the dramatic music, spot lights, and celebration when a starting lineup is introduced before a game?
It is a huge deal.
It has always been so for the players and the fans.
This fraud that pretends to be a coach only cares about his NBA PETS.
Reed Sheppard is the best Freshman in College basketball.
You are right. And he is also in the top 10. Along with one Junior, 4 sophomores & 4 seniors.
One of the best players in college basketball and he does not start?
Hey Cal don’t have pets on his team he has great players and great college guys and a great teaching coach.
Reed Sheppard is one of the best gard in the nation I’ve watched his Mom and Dad play and
He’s got his Moms drive.And I mean to the basket.He is the best!!Go Big Blue Nation