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Will Reed Sheppard return to Kentucky for a sophomore season after his spectacular first year with the Wildcats ended with him being named the national freshman of the year?
One person close to UK basketball told me he has talked to several NBA scouts who said “he needs to go” to the NBA because he’s slotted as a top 10 pick that would guarantee him millions of dollars over the next few years.
“And do you think endorsement deals he has at UK will go away if he goes to the NBA? Companies are not going to do that. And don’t forget a possible lucrative shoe deal,” the source said. “The NBA scouts tell me he just cannot say no to this deal.
“I worry people will make the assumption that Reed is going to stick around because his father and (new UK coach Mark) Pope were college roommates. But Reed needs to follow his dream.”
Pope agrees. Sure he would love to have the talented guard on his first Kentucky roster. However, he’s known Reed all his life and also wants what is best for him.
Pope was asked about Sheppard’s pro potential by Tom Leach during his first radio show Monday night after being named UK’s head coach Friday.
“Reed is in that elite air status where he is a lottery pick. That’s not something to be taken lightly,” Pope said. “It’s extraordinary, so the way he’s going to be successful in his future is if he searches inside himself and sees where his heart is pulling him and where God is calling him. I told Jeff (Sheppard) I am spending a lot of time hoping God will call him back to Kentucky.”
Later in a one-on-one interview with Leach the new UK coach said Reed’s parents, Jeff and Stacey, were “two of my favorite people in the world” and that what Reed did his freshman year was “spectacular.” Pope emphasized how much Reed meant to Kentucky basketball and how he earned the right to be a lottery pick.
Pope acknowledged everyone connected to Kentucky is “going to lose our minds if he decides to come back” to Kentucky.
“But he can’t come back if his heart has moved on to chase the next part of his dream and there’s nothing wrong with that,” the UK coach said.
7 Responses
He’ll be loved by BBN no matter what he chooses to do going forward. I wouldn’t want that decision. Do I make millions and have to grow up in a hurry? Do I stay at the place I’ve dreamed of playing and possibly become an all time great? I’m just glad my father talked me into going back to college. Once I found my footing, I did well in school AND had a blast! I made lifelong friendships and often refer to that time as the most fun 4 years of my life. Been many great things since then, but as a whole it was a heck of a ride.
He should be
UK alumni who are mega- millionaires (hello, Outback Steakhouse founder!) & big time UK BB fans can add millions of NIL “incentives” for Reed to stay at UK 1 or even 2 or 3 more years.
Regardless of how the dominoes (er, dollars) fall, Reed has earned his way to the elite level.
May the Lord Jesus fill Reed Sheppard with the Life & Peace to lead Him in the direction well-pleasing to God. Nothing else will satisfy.
Thanks, Reed for giving UK 100% every game!
I pray God will turn Reed’s heart to want to stay at the University of kentucky.
God does not care who wins a basketball game.
Please leave him out of it.
And pray for things that matter…
He knows that. He was just being funny
The Lord Jesus is the center of the universe, Who upholds all things by the Word of His Power.
Everyone needs the inner leading by the Life & Peace in the Lord Jesus daily in all things. Not asking Him to win games. May Reed be led by Him. If some pray for him to stay at UK, it may be the prayer God desires to hear. No one knows.
The man who preached the Gospel to Billy Graham was the only person he shared the gospel with. So every day is a day we need His sovereign guidance so we are at the place with the person He has planned as part of His eternal purpose.
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