Reed Sheppard Announces Intentions to Enter 2024 NBA Draft
Reed Sheppard, the standout freshman from Kentucky, made headlines this week by declaring his decision to forgo his remaining college eligibility and enter the 2024 NBA Draft. The 19-year-old guard expressed his excitement and readiness for this next chapter in his basketball career.
“I’m going all-in,” Sheppard stated. “The opportunity I have is great. I’ve received positive feedback regarding my draft prospects. I had an amazing year at Kentucky, and while it’s tough to leave the fans and the school I’ve always dreamed of playing for, I believe this is the best decision for my future in the NBA.”
Not only is Sheppard ranked as the No. 7 prospect in ESPN’s draft projections, but he also earned recognition as the SEC freshman of the year and secured a spot on the second-team all-conference. His impressive stats for the season include averages of 2.5 points, 4.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game, with a remarkable 52.1% shooting percentage from beyond the arc.
Reflecting on his journey, Sheppard credited his teammates and coaches for instilling confidence in him and pushing him to excel. As a high school McDonald’s All American and a top-25 recruit, Sheppard has exceeded expectations by positioning himself as a potential lottery pick after just one season of college basketball.
Despite the Wildcats’ early exit from the NCAA Tournament following a shocking upset against Oakland, Sheppard remains focused on the future. He expressed disappointment over not fulfilling Kentucky’s goal of competing for a national championship but emphasized the strong bonds he formed with his team during his time at the university.
The unexpected tournament loss also led to significant changes within the Kentucky coaching staff, with head coach John Calipari departing for Arkansas and Mark Pope taking the reins. Pope, a former national champion player for the Wildcats and a close family friend of Sheppard, is expected to bring a fresh perspective and maintain Kentucky’s competitive legacy.
As Sheppard looks ahead to the NBA Draft and the next phase of his basketball career, he is grateful for the mentorship and support he received at Kentucky and remains optimistic about the team’s future under new leadership.
