Reed Sheppard sends heartfelt message to Kentucky after declaring for 2024 NBA Draft

On Thursday, Kentucky freshman Reed Sheppard declared for the 2024 NBA Draft, forgoing his remaining collegiate eligibility. While Sheppard ultimately decided to move on from the program, he didn’t leave without saying a proper goodbye.

“I’m just a little boy from London, Kentucky with a big dream,” Sheppard said in a message to fans. “Playing basketball at the University of Kentucky was a huge part of my dream. I’m so thankful to wear the blue and white jersey that represents my family, my friends and the hard-working, faithful fans of the Big Blue Nation.

“Kentucky is home. Kentucky will always be home. However, there is another part of my dream — to play basketball in the NBA. I believe it is time to pursue that dream. Therefore, I will be entering my name into the NBA Draft today.”

In Sheppard’s lone season at Kentucky, he averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game while shooting 53.6% from the floor and 51.1% from beyond the arc, the most accurate single-season 3-point percentage in program history.

For his efforts, he was named the SEC Freshman of the Year, an All-SEC Second Team member and the National Association of Basketball Coaches National Freshman of the Year. In his statement, Sheppard stated he hopes Kentucky fans continue to support him along the next step of his journey.

“BBN, you have been with me from day one, faithful and passionate,” Sheppard said. “I’m asking you to go with me on this journey, I’m looking forward to taking you with me.

“I’ll represent you with all of the characteristics that make us Kentuckians: passion, humility, perseverance, sacrifice and joy. And one day, I’ll return to family, to friends, to Kentucky, my home. I love you, BBN. Thank you.”

With the decision, Sheppard will not be a part of the beginning of the Mark Pope Era at Kentucky. Pope was teammates and roommates with Sheppard’s father, Jeff, who also played at Kentucky.

“That is not something to be taken lightly. It’s really extraordinary,” Pope said of Sheppard on Monday. “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. In all honesty, Jeff, Stacey and Reed are very spiritual people. It’s where God is calling him and that’s just the truth.”

In ESPN’s latest NBA mock draft, Jonathan Givony projected the Memphis Grizzlies to take Reed Sheppard with the No. 7 overall pick. Sheppard is a consensus top-10 pick in mock drafts around the nation.