Reed Sheppard (Les Nicholson Photo)
Reed Sheppard said it was a “big surprise” when Kentucky coach John Calipari offered him a scholarship Friday while he was playing 3SSB (3 Stripes Select Basketball) event in Birmingham.
“I was not expecting it at all,” said the 6-3 North Laurel guard via phone from Birmingham after his Friday night game. “We were all kind of shocked and thankful for the opportunity that I have. We were all shocked.”
The “we” includes his father, Jeff Sheppard, the 1998 Final Four MVP when UK won the national championship, and his mother, Stacey Reed Sheppard, a star guard on the UK women’s team. They are both with him in Birmingham just like they will be in Omaha next week and then Indianapolis for his final AAU summer event.
Reed Sheppard led the state in scoring last year at 30 points per game and has created a statewide buzz among UK fans with his play. The junior knew fans across the state were hoping he would get a scholarship offer.
“I try not to pay too much attention to it. But it is all over social media,” Reed Sheppard said. “Even if I try not to see it, I see some. I see some say Kentucky needs to offer and when is Kentucky going to offer. I try not to think about what they are all saying and just enjoy what is going on.”
“But it is pretty cool knowing everybody is rooting for me to get an offer. It is definitely something to be thankful for.”
Reed Sheppard now has 11 offers, including one he got from Indiana after the UK offer came. He had noted before that Louisville, Gonzaga, Virginia, and Clemson were also recruiting him heavily.
“Every offer is special and unique. I am thankful for these opportunities and all the offers I have,” he said. “But this one (Kentucky) is extremely special to me. This one means a lot. Growing up in Kentucky, everybody’s childhood dream is to play at the University of Kentucky. My mom and dad played there. It’s just really cool to have this opportunity and I am thankful for it.”
