LEXINGTON, Ky. (AP) — Kentucky reserve guard Reed Sheppard, who was voted the Southeastern Conference’s top freshman by coaches after leading the league in steals, says he will enter the NBA draft.
The London, Kentucky, native was considered one of the conference’s best playmakers and perimeter shooters. He said in a social media post that it was time to pursue his dream of playing in the NBA and asked fans “to go with me” in a one-minute video.
Sheppard’s father, Jeff, was the 1998 Final Four Most Outstanding Player and helped the Wildcats win two national championships, while his mother, Stacey, was a 1,000-point scorer for Kentucky’s women’s team.
Sheppard started just five of 33 games, but was Kentucky’s No. 3 scorer at 12.5 points per contest and averaged an SEC-best 2.5 steals that ranked eighth nationally.
Sheppard also ranked fourth in the SEC with 4.5 assists per game, averaged 4.1 rebounds and made 52% of his 3-point attempts. He earned the Wayman Tisdale Award as the nation’s top freshman as selected by the U.S. Basketball Writers Association.
Sheppard is the second Wildcat to enter the draft along with fellow freshman Rob Dillingham, the SEC’s top sixth man who declared last week.
UConn forward Alex Karaban declares for NBA draft while retaining college eligibility
Ministry of Health 'taking the time to get it right' on puberty blockers
Coronavirus: Experts say the flu is more 'deadly'
Woman, 26, who shed 70lbs reveals the surprising ways weight loss has transformed her life
Nikki Haley Wins District of Columbia's Republican Primary, Gets Her First 2024 Victory
Two bodies recovered as divers search river after ship hit Baltimore bridge
Interislander ferry upgrade: Finance Minister warns of cost blowout
Columbia University: Police arrest protesters who had set up pro
Literacy, numeracy tests as NCEA requirement 'detrimental' to learners
Braless Maura Higgins turns up the heat in a daring cleavage
Police, iwi and gangs hold hui after rugby club van shot at