Reed Sheppard's parents on journey from Kentucky to NBA: 'That's just kinda how we do things at the Sheppard house'

Houston Rockets rookie Reed Sheppard was lucky enough to have two former Kentucky stars as his parents, Jeff Sheppard and Stacey Sheppard. And they’ve both been excellent resources to propel him on his impressive basketball journey, all the way from the Wildcats to the NBA.

Both parents didn’t want to miss their son’s debut in the NBA Summer League on Friday evening, so they decided to fly to Las Vegas to be there for the special moment.

And their son didn’t disappoint in his summer league debut against the LA Lakers, stuffing the stat sheet with 23 points, four rebounds, five assists, one steal, and three blocks. He also connected on four of his six shots from beyond-the-arc, once again showcasing what an elite shooter he is from long range.

And during the game, Jeff Sheppard and Stacey Sheppard spoke with ESPN.

Does Reed’s development as a player still surprise them?

“He does. Stacey and I were actually talking about that. From the time the college season has been over until today. Everybody that’s had his hands on him, they’ve done a great job teaching him through nuances about this game and this level. He’s catching on a little bit. He’s got a long way to go, so we’re very thankful and excited,” Jeff Sheppard noted.

How important was it for the parents to be there for his first NBA Summer League game?

“Well, we didn’t want to miss it. You know, this is a big moment for Reed. A big moment for our family. And to be here for his first Summer League game. His NBA experience. We just wanted to be here and cherish this experience with him. And just be here for him. And just kinda bounce things off him from the game. And what did we think. And kinda what he thought,” Stacey Sheppard explained.

The reporter then asked if it ever sunk in the fact that they were raising a future NBA player?

“I think God deserves the most credit. You know, he’s given him so many gifts. He loves to play. He has fun. He plays with a joy. And we’ve worked hard and spent time in the gym with him. And Stacey especially has traveled all over the country with AAU ballgames and high school games. And our college games. And here we are, truly a dream come true, so thankful,” Jeff Sheppard explained.

Reed Sheppard had Kentucky blue in his blood from birth. What has been a bigger moment for his parents? His first game at Kentucky or when they heard his name called in the 2024 NBA Draft?

“They’re completely different things,” Stacey Sheppard explained. “Growing up in the state of Kentucky and being passionate about Kentucky basketball, that’s something that we’ll always treasure. But that was just one part of Reed’s goal. And getting to the NBA and playing and being a Top 3 pick. I mean, unbelievable. We’re just so thankful.”

Where did the tagline can’t be soft come from? “Well, that’s just kinda how we do things at the Sheppard house. No matter what we’re doing, you give everything you’ve got. Nobody ever outworks you and by the time you walk off the court or whatever you’re doing. Nobody has ever worked harder than you or given more effort. So, you don’t be soft. You’re either hurt or you’re gonna play,” Stacey Sheppard noted.

How many Rockets games do they plan to attend this year? “We’re gonna do the best we can. I don’t know that we do 81 games or 82 games. But we’re gonna do the best we can,” Stacey Sheppard explained.

The NBA Summer League in Las Vegas will take place from July 12th to July 22nd. It’ll be fascinating to watch Sheppard’s impressive career continue to develop over the years.