Reed Sheppard admits leaving Kentucky was 'a tough decision, for sure'

Former Kentucky superstar Reed Sheppard is off to the NBA Draft, but he admits his decision to leave school rather than stick around for the first year of the Mark Pope era was not easy.

Still, Sheppard felt his best bet was striking while the iron is hot and entering the NBA Draft.

“I’m very excited. It was tough, it was a tough decision, for sure,” Reed Sheppard said, according to KSR’s Jack Pilgrim. “Growing up, it was always a dream to play at Kentucky. Being able to do that this year and not really knowing what to expect, coming in wanting to do whatever it took to win and just have fun with it like my mom and dad were both saying. But at the end of the day, it was also a dream to play in the NBA.”

Ultimately the professional aspirations won out. And it didn’t hurt that despite Kentucky’s untimely exit from the NCAA Tournament, Sheppard still had a lot of fun suiting up for the ‘Cats.

“This year was unbelievable, it’s something I’ll never forget,” he said. “I’m super excited for the next step.”

Reed Sheppard looking forward to Mark Pope era

While Kentucky fans would have loved to get Sheppard back for another year, most can probably understand his decision. And just about all of them are looking forward to the Mark Pope era after the kind of energy the new head coach has brought right off the rip.

Sheppard will be right there with the Big Blue Nation in hoping Pope is a smashing success.

“Super excited for Coach Pope, him and my dad were roommates and I think he’s gonna do a great job,” Sheppard said. “Our families have been close for a while now. He gave me a call and we talked for a little bit, but he kind of knew already. It was good being able to talk to him and I’m super excited to see what he has coming up for Kentucky fans.”

For one, Reed Sheppard has been able to feel the excitement from the fans.

Pope packed Rupp Arena for his introductory press conference, which felt more like a party than a presser. If that energy translates to the court, watch out.

“I get to spend a lot of time with Kentucky fans and they are really, really excited about the new energy that he’s bringing,” Sheppard said. “He’s got some great players, he’s gonna put him to work and really force them to mesh together as a unit. He’s gonna demand that and it’s gonna be a fun season.”

As for Sheppard, he’ll continue to prep for the upcoming NBA Draft, which will be held from June 26-27.