Reed Sheppard sheds light on 'tough decision' to enter draft: "It was also a dream to play in the NBA."

Reed, Jeff and Stacey Sheppard all threw on their Sunday-best on the first Saturday in May to attend Kentucky Derby 150, the former Wildcat superstar walking the red carpet rocking UK blue with his parents by his side.

After getting settled in at Churchill Downs, the Sheppards caught up with WAVE 3’s Kendrick Haskins about not only being at the Derby, but the freshman standout’s decision to turn pro after a one-and-done season in Lexington.

Sheppard’s father will be the first to tell you this all happened quicker than anyone expected, but it’s a process they all enjoyed and are excited to follow through to the finish at the 2024 NBA Draft in June.

“We wanted Reed to have fun throughout the whole process. We weren’t expecting to be here this quick, but this is where we are and he did a good job,” Jeff said. “He took it one step at a time and it was neat to go through this as a family. Hard decision for Reed to make, but ultimately, we’re excited for him and looking forward to his future.”

As for Reed’s take, he admits he struggled giving up his dream of winning a national championship wearing blue and white as a Wildcat, but knows his ultimate dream — like all basketball players — is to play in the NBA. The league officially gave him a top-10 draft grade on Friday, confirming everything we all saw with our own eyes this past season: Reed Sheppard is a pro.

Now it’s on him to turn that dream into a reality by walking across that stage and shaking Adam Silver’s hand in Brooklyn.

“I’m very excited. It was tough, it was a tough decision, for sure,” Reed said. “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.

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

Don’t worry, though. The Sheppards will still be around and they’re just as excited for Mark Pope and the next era of Kentucky basketball with the 1996 national champion leading the charge.

And yes, Pope tried to get Sheppard to stick around for another season. He knew pretty quickly, though, the star guard’s mind was made up and he was ready to take on the next challenge of his basketball career.

“Super excited for Coach Pope, him and my dad were roommates and I think he’s gonna do a great job. 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,” Reed said. “It was good being able to talk to him and I’m super excited to see what he has coming up for Kentucky fans.”

Pope’s former teammate, roommate and close friend can feel the excitement in Lexington and can’t wait to follow along this season and beyond. Jeff is confident he’s the man for the job and will have the Wildcats ready to make a statement this winter.

“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.”

Don’t be strangers, Sheppard Family. There will always be three seats with your names on them inside Rupp Arena.

In the meantime, it’s time for Reed to go crush it in the NBA.