Reed Sheppard named top standout at Adidas All-American Camp

Kentucky basketball pledge Reed Sheppard has been named a top standout at the recent Adidas All-American Camp in Rock Hill, South Carolina.

Sheppard, ranked No. 29 overall in the latest On3 Consensus, was named one of Sports Illustrated’s top ten participants at the prestigious camp. It’s an event featuring 60 of the top players on the Adidas 3SSB circuit battling together under one roof.

What did the future Wildcat do to separate himself from the competition? He knocked down shots on offense while showing effort on defense, putting forth an all-around performance during the three-day event.

“Sheppard picked his spots well and showed his potential as an on-ball defender, hounding opposing guards on the perimeter,” Sports Illustrated’s Jason Jordan said of the 6-foot-3 guard. “He continued to pick his spots well on the offensive end, knocking down shots and getting to the rim. Sheppard was also adept as a playmaker, consistently creating easy scoring opportunities for his teammates.”

Reed Sheppard (no. 28 ESPN 💯) was on fire in Rock Hill, SC @adidas3SSB #3SSB 🔥🔥@reed_sheppard @PaulBiancardi @MidwestBBClub pic.twitter.com/xaFyERBiin

— SportsCenter NEXT (@SCNext) July 14, 2022

Sheppard wasn’t the only player of interest with Kentucky ties standing out in Rock Hill. In fact, one of the Wildcats’ top recruiting targets in the class of 2023, Ugonna Kingsley Onyenso, was another top performer.

The 7-foot center is set to take an official visit to Kentucky on July 20. Before then, though, he stood out among his peers at the Adidas All-American Camp.

“Onyenso showed great footwork in the individual training sessions with elite agility on step-throughs and drop-steps,” said Jordan. “Onyenso ran the floor well, consistently protected the rim and finished with authority.”

Among other standouts with Kentucky interest? Five-star center Somto Cyril and four-star guard Dink Pate.

“Cyril led the Adidas 3SSB in blocks (4.3 per game) this summer and that propensity for swatting shots was on full display all week at camp,” said Jordan. “He served as a major defensive presence all week, using optimal timing on his blocks and forcing slashers to reconsider when he was in the lane. Cyril also showed great agility in the paint and in drills, with good hands and elite ability as a finisher around the rim.”

“Easy to see what all the rave is about with Pate, a long and wiry 6’8″ prospect with knockdown shooting ability and a high motor,” Jordan added. “When he was engaged, Pate was the most intriguing prospect on the floor.”

Ten standouts out of 60 total participants, four with Kentucky ties, including one pledge — and a possible second sooner rather than later.

Not too shabby.