Jeff Sheppard, a two-time national champion and former Final Four Most Outstanding Player, recently reflected on his son Reed Sheppard’s unexpected path as a one-and-done player with the Kentucky Wildcats. Reed’s freshman season, marked by standout performances and rapid NBA attention, unfolded in a way that surprised even those closest to him.
Reed’s debut season captured national attention, beginning with a dazzling performance at the GLOBL JAM and continuing with impressive showings in high-profile games like the Champions Classic against Kansas. His standout performance against Stonehill, where he scored 25 points on near-perfect shooting, further highlighted his potential. Despite these early successes, some questioned whether Reed’s production would be sustainable throughout the season.
Jeff Sheppard noted that the realization of Reed’s likely one-and-done status came into sharp focus after a pivotal game against Miami. Reed’s 21-point performance in the ACC/SEC Challenge not only confirmed his potential but also triggered a surge of interest from NBA scouts. “From that moment on, it was a blur,” Jeff said, describing how their lives became a whirlwind of NBA discussions and media attention.
Jeff and his wife, Stacey, did their best to shield Reed from the growing hype and potential draft conversations. They wanted their son to focus solely on enjoying his time at Kentucky, without being overwhelmed by professional prospects. Despite Reed’s awareness of the draft projections, his parents kept their discussions private to allow him to concentrate on his college season.
As the season progressed, Jeff and Stacey realized that Reed’s transition to the NBA was becoming increasingly likely. They found themselves navigating a complex mix of emotions, supporting Kentucky while also considering Reed’s future in professional basketball. The stress of balancing their support for the Wildcats with their son’s burgeoning NBA prospects was challenging.
The situation was further complicated by the coaching change at Kentucky. Mark Pope, who replaced John Calipari, was a familiar face to Jeff, having been his college roommate and teammate. Pope made an effort to recruit Reed back to Kentucky, even joking about including Reed’s return in his contract negotiations. However, by then, Reed had privately decided to turn pro, making it difficult for Pope to sway his decision.
Jeff expressed confidence that if Reed had chosen to stay in college, it would have been at Kentucky, despite the coaching change. “I do think had Reed returned to school, he would have returned to Kentucky, 100 percent,” Jeff affirmed. The decision to enter the NBA, ultimately, was the right one for Reed, given his exceptional rookie contract and his immediate impact in professional basketball.
Reflecting on the whirlwind of the past year, Jeff Sheppard acknowledged the challenges but also recognized the incredible opportunity Reed was presented with. “Now looking at how everything has played out, it probably wouldn’t have been a good decision for him to make [laughs],” Jeff said, affirming that the journey, despite its unpredictability, has been a remarkable and fulfilling experience for their family.
