After a productive freshman season, star Kentucky basketball guard Reed Sheppard is declaring for the 2024 NBA Draft, he told ESPN on Thursday. Sheppard is forgoing the rest of his college eligibility for a shot to start his professional career. Furthermore, he gave eye-opening insight into his big decision.
Reed Sheppard makes deceive 2024 NBA Draft decision
The talented guard drew upon the unique opportunity of 2024’s draft and the feedback he has gotten as major factors in his decision. Moreover, he wants to put full effort into starting his journey.
“I’m going all-in. The opportunity I have is great. I’ve gotten really good feedback showing where I can be in the draft. I had an unbelievable year at Kentucky. It was such a fun year. It’s not easy leaving the fans and the school I dreamed of playing at. I need to do what’s best for me, and that’s heading to the NBA,” Sheppard explained.
The Kentucky basketball star is the No. 7 prospect in ESPN’s NBA draft projections, so his decision is fitting. In addition, he earned the SEC Freshman of the Year Award and Second-Team All-Conference honors after averaging 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.5 steals on blazing 52.1% three-point shooting accuracy.
Sheppard’s shooting feat put him in elite company. He is the only first-round pick from college to shoot over 50% on threes at his volume since Glen Rice at Michigan during the 1988-89 season. Sheppard is proud of his success. However, he acknowledges that the support he received is what helped him become an elite shooter.
“My teammates and coach put confidence in me, telling me ‘you need to shoot.’ I was fortunate to be able to get in the gym and work with [Kentucky assistant] coach John Welch every day. He’s one of the best trainers you’ll find,” Sheppard said.
Reed Sheppard had an impressive year-long stint with the Wildcats. Yet, his journey is just getting started. It will be interesting to see what NBA team picks him en route to new beginnings.
