The college basketball world fell in love with Reed Sheppard tonight

MrsTylerKSR

reed-sheppard-kentucky-miami-national-reaction — Photo by Dr. Michael Huang | Kentucky Sports Radio

Kentucky fans have known about Reed Sheppard for almost a decade, if not longer. Tonight, the rest of the college basketball world met the son of Kentucky Basketball greats Stacey Reed and Jeff Sheppard in the Cats’ 95-73 rout of the No. 8 Miami Hurricanes, and they were enamored.

Reed was already off to a promising start before starting point guard DJ Wagner was injured in the first half. Leading the Cats in the second half, the freshman from Laurel County absolutely shined, finishing with 21 points (8-13 FG, 5-9 3PT), 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, a block, and a turnover in 30 minutes. Reed entered the night leading the country in plus/minus efficiency. That will certainly be the case tomorrow, as Kentucky outscored the Canes +35 with Reed on the floor.

“My best players that I’ve coached — and I’ve coached NBA MVPs you know — those players are even keel,” John Calipari said afterward. “They’ll get emotional about a play but they’re never up and down. Those guys, they just are like that. And that’s how [Reed] is.”

Calipari paid Sheppard the highest compliment, comparing his work ethic to that of Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, one of Kentucky’s most successful alums in the NBA right now.

“He lives in that gym,” Cal said of Reed. “He works and he’s made himself kind of like Shai and some of these other kids that I’ve had. They build their own confidence. It’s not me saying, ‘You’re great’ or ‘You’re bad.’ It’s them.”

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It was great to see Jay Bilas and the ESPN broadcast give special mention to not only Jeff, but Stacey, Reed’s mother, who ranks in the top ten of several Kentucky Women’s Basketball statistical categories and is still No. 1 in steals per game. Calipari has brought up Stacey several times when talking about Reed’s ball skills and defense in recent weeks. Tonight was no exception.

“I’m not joking when I say this: that’s Stacey. That’s who that is. Jeff wasn’t that way. Stacey was that way.”

Stacey and Reed is a story for another day — how about Thursday? — but until then, enjoy these national takes on Reed and Kentucky’s big night. We’ll start with a guy who coached his dad.

I'm watching Reed Sheppard play n thinking of his Mom n Dad as if it were yesterday. Such a great experience for both of them. Absolutely wonderful people. Make it happen Reed!!!
— Rick Pitino (@RealPitino) November 29, 2023

Early pick for freshman of the year? Reed Sheppard.
— Dana O'Neil (@DanaONeilWriter) November 29, 2023

We are now 109 days away from Selection Sunday.

How much better is Kentucky going to get between now and then?

American has been officially warned. https://t.co/hnZjx7FKXz
— Jon Rothstein (@JonRothstein) November 29, 2023

This @KentuckyMBB team is really going to be special when they get all their parts / the 1st half showed how efficient Reed Sheppard is – love his ability to play effectively offensively & defensively . Cats up vs a good @CanesHoops team 51-39 – I firmly believe this is going…
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) November 29, 2023

21 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals for Reed Sheppard in a blowout win for Kentucky over Miami, showing his tremendous shot-making prowess, defensive instincts and passing creativity. The 6'2 freshman has been Kentucky's best player on both ends of the floor this season. pic.twitter.com/dVIQirhCf9
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) November 29, 2023

Reed Sheppard has faced the pressure of being his father’s son since he was a very young player. He ain’t the first son of a college basketball hero to play at his parent’s alma mater. But I cannot recall a player handling the pressure better than he has so far. Incredible poise.
— Myron Medcalf (@MedcalfByESPN) November 29, 2023

Reed Sheppard is going to break all kinds of records, including Steph Curry's record for camera pans to his parents.
— CJ Moore (@CJMooreHoops) November 29, 2023

Yeah, Kentucky has some dawgs this year, man. They taking all of this personally. Haven’t felt this way about Kentucky since that Tyrese Maxey squad. Haven’t seen this toughness since Tyler Ulis was leading the crew. Healthy Kentucky in March is gonna be a headache for America.
— Myron Medcalf (@MedcalfByESPN) November 29, 2023

You just absolutely love to see it. Check out Reed and the rest of the Cats’ highlights below.