The day that Big Blue Nation has been anticipating for weeks now is finally here. The announcement of beloved guard, Reed Sheppard, on whether or not he will be returning for a second season at Kentucky or advancing to the professional route, has been made.
He announces that he is in fact declaring for the NBA, ending his collegiate playing career.
“Kentucky will always be home,” said Sheppard.
If most Kentucky fans were honest with themselves then this decision shouldn't come as too much of a shock. Sheppard's draft stock has been high all season long with some draft analysts putting Reed at the top of their mock drafts many months ago. At the end of the day, I think this is the right decision for Reed because as he mentioned in his video above, his dream has always been to play in the NBA and this is his shot at that dream.
Before we start to overanalyze Reed's announcement video, no he did not mention if he is hiring an agent or if a return to Kentucky is even still a possibility, but with that being said, I think it is safe to assume that a return is probably out of the question due to the video and thanking the Big Blue Nation for the experience.
I just hope that fans will support Reed's decision and will continue to support him in his future endeavors. He grew up in Laurel County - a county next to me (Clay Co.) - and it has been a pleasure getting to watch him grow up and develop into the player and person that he is today. If you were to ask me at the beginning of the season last year if Reed would be going to the NBA after his freshman season, I probably would have laughed. I am now here eating crow like many other people who probably had the same thoughts. I knew that Reed was talented and that he would be impactful for Kentucky, but I never thought it would come so soon. I thought he would at least be a two to three year player but like we have talked about before, this year's draft just isn't as good as in year’s past. Another reason to why it is the right decision for Reed Sheppard to take advantage of it and live out his NBA dream now.
Yes, it is sad. As a life-long fan now turned media member, I would be lying to you if there wasn't part of me that wanted to see a sophomore season. He was a joy to cover from a media perspective. When he was interviewed, he was just so humble and such a joy to be around. And from a fan's perspective, well he was just exactly what you would want in a player. He is exciting, tough, and a hard worker. He hustled and gave 110% on each and every play.
Thank you Reed from all of us at Cats Coverage. Now go be great.