Why Is Kentucky Still a Formidable Side With Reed Sheppard?

Hooping on their home court at Rupp Arena, the Wildcats bagged a win yet again. In a matchup against #8 the Miami Hurricanes, #12 Kentucky had an adjuring 95-73 win. All with the big help from their shooting guard Reed Sheppard. 6-foot-3 tall Sheppard is also a 4-star recruit and one of the top players in the 2023 class.

During his sophomore season in high school, he averaged an impressive 30.1 points per game in all 28 games he played. As a junior, he was named the Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year after averaging 25.5 points, 6.8 rebounds, 7.6 assists, and 4.4 steals per game. Now, with another achievement under his belt, let’s explore how Kentucky shines in a new light as Sheppard leads the team.

Reed Sheppard taking the reigns

There are many reasons why Sheppard’s presence on Kentucky’s roster makes the Wildcats a great team. Hooping 13.3 points per game, Sheppard has the highest scoring average in college basketball. He, moreover, scores with an impressive shooting percentage of 69 from the field and 70.6 from the 3-point range.

On the other hand, he is leading the Wildcats in both offensive and defensive categories with his outstanding ability. Evidently, in just 4 games, he has gathered 12 steals and 6 blocks. Both these abilities also make him a versatile player.

The Wildcats are thriving under Sheppard’s impactful leadership. His success has been an example for his teammates that glory can also be achieved at the home state team. This has, in turn, helped push Travis Perry to Kentucky.

READ MORE: Should Reed Sheppard Start Every Game For Kentucky to Charge For NCAA Title?

Although it is a team sport at the end of the day, Reed Sheppard makes the Kentucky Wildcats worth winning the title.

Reed: The new Shepherd of Kentucky

Winning at home court has never felt so good for Kentucky as it beat Miami with a dominant 95-73 score. The two offenses fought toe-to-toe, however, the Wildcats weighed down the Hurricanes as Sheppard hooped a game-high 21 points including 5 for 9 from the 3-point range. More so, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals, despite not being in the starting lineup.

Creating the team’s momentum, Sheppard made shots with a shooting percentage of 55.6 from 3-point range in just 24 minutes. Moreover, he has only 9 turnovers in 7 games.

Observing Sheppard’s gameplay, an NBA scout says, “He plays the right way, is a hell of a defender, and is the glue guy early on for Kentucky. Sheppard has the traits that a lot of NBA teams look for in a versatile perimeter player and has been the biggest surprise out of the Kentucky freshman,” as reported by Yahoo Sports. 

So far this season, Reed has been averaging 10.8 points, 3.7 rebounds, 3.5 assists, and 3.2 steals.

WATCH THIS STORY: All You Need to Know About Iowa Hawkeyes Coach Lisa Bluder

What are your thoughts on this leading Wildcat? Tell us in the comments.