Mark Pope on Reed Sheppard: 'I'm spending a lot of time praying God will call him back to Kentucky'

Reed Sheppard has one of the final choices to make from players on last year’s roster at Kentucky. It’s a massive decision for himself and for the Wildcats’ next season, which is why a pope is now looking for some divine intervention in hopes that it could sway it for UK.

Mark Pope spoke about Sheppard’s future during the first edition of his local radio show as head coach of Kentucky on Monday. He made it clear that he understands how enormous an opportunity is in front of Sheppard in the NBA Draft. That’s why he’s leaving it up to him and his family to feel out, pray on, and decide what’s best for him.

“Yeah, so, listen. Reed is in that elite air status where he’s a lottery pick,” Pope said. “He’s going to be the fourth or fifth or sixth or seventh pick in the NBA Draft. That is not something to be taken lightly. It’s really extraordinary.”

“So, Reed, the way he’s going to be successful in his future is if he really searches inside himself and finds out where his heart is pulling him,” said Pope. “In all honestly, Jeff, Stacey, and Reed are very spiritual people and where God is calling him. That’s just the truth.”

However, that’s not stopping Pope from calling on a higher power himself in trying to bring Sheppard back to the bluegrass for a sophomore season.

“I told (Jeff) I’m spending a lot of time praying that God will call him back to Kentucky,” joked Pope.

Sheppard, the Wildcats’ in-state star, shined as a freshman this season for UK. The National Freshman of the Year and SEC Freshman of the Year averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 assist, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.1 steals while knocking down 53.6% from the field and 52.1% from three. That made him even more of a sensation than he already was as a four-star out of London.

Now, after his first collegiate season, Sheppard could very well be a top-five selection in the 2024 NBA Draft. Most mocks have him at the very least in the Top-10 in a weaker class. That’s why a jump to the pros is under serious consideration in his decision-making process.

Still, the arrival of Pope adds an extra wrinkle into that choice. Sheppard committed to and played for John Calipari, who is now at Arkansas, last year. With him now in Fayetteville, the program decided to hire Pope last week. He, coincidently, was Jeff Sheppard’s college teammate and roommate at Kentucky back in the 90s.

There’s plenty for Sheppard to consider in picking between the NBA and his old Kentucky home. That’s why everyone, including Pope, is letting it play out however Sheppard feels is in his favor, even if Pope is bowing down and asking for his return.

“We’ll see how that goes,” Pope said. “We’ll see.”