Reed Sheppard committing Saturday

[nickhorvathsuxazz]

If he does choose UVA over UK I could see a few reasons why:

1. His parents played here - this cuts both ways. It could be he prefers to follow his own path and create his own legacy.

2. He's not a 1AD player - going to a more traditional school where players aren't recruited over and stay longer may be a better fit for him and more appealing.

3. Everyone has seen how Cal favors his 1AD players over the others. Multi-year players have to take that into consideration before deciding whether or not to come here.

4. UVA is a damn good school and difficult to get into. It's not ivy league but it's close.

#'s 2 and 3 are the same thing...

 

[serdi]

Yep and it will some how be Cals fault.

He recruits to put kids in the NBA not to win championships. Only Coach in 92 years with that outlook.

 

[CatFanInIlliniLand_rivals116236]

If it’s not UK, kid will probably transfer high schools. It would be brutal.

 

[serdi]

If it’s not UK, kid will probably transfer high schools. It would be brutal.

Ought to brutal for Calapari not Reed. You go where you think you fit and where you feel wanted.

 

[dcw62]

Virginia?...I'm not always thrilled with Cal's offense but VIrgina? Really?Have you seen them play?

 

[yoshukai]

Helps Cal in ways I cannot even tell you. Big time pickup legacy recruit. Good job Cal that’s what we want.

Jeff and Cal hate each other so much. He’s a “Pitino guy” through and through. Guess we’re just “lucky”.

I guess I’m missing something because I have no idea what your meaning with your last sentence.

 

[turkeywildturkey]

Incredibly dumb business decision if so. Be a long 2 years getting boo'd in every gym he plays at and losing out on hundreds of thousands, if not millions, in NIL money.

He’s 16 or 17 years old. He’s not thinking about the money. I’d be surprised he commits to UVA this early, but it’s a great school, with a great Coach. He might not want to pressure of playing at UK. I think this would be a huge loss for Kentucky.
The fact that he just got back from UVA yesterday, sure looks like he spurns Kentucky, and picks Virginia. This sucks.

 

[W_Heisenberg]

Incredibly dumb business decision if so. Be a long 2 years getting boo'd in every gym he plays at and losing out on hundreds of thousands, if not millions, in NIL money.

Booing a high school kid based on where he decided to go to college, really?

Also, millions in NIL?? He'd be the 8th-10th man in the rotation not even our stars are getting millions in NIL...

 

[Lempface]

How do we know Reed doesn't see himself as a one and done?

He very well might, but since he was mostly under the radar until recently and the vast majority of recruits aren't 1 and done... Just taking a guess that has a pretty high probability of being right.

 

[bkingUK]

If it’s not Kentucky I’ll be shocked... but I don’t know anything. Kid is Kentucky royalty with opportunity to play at his dream school

 

[yoshukai]

I'm surprised it is this early regardless. I don't know the NIL rules enough to know how this benefits him, but to commit to another school this early- just don't see it....not unless he plans on transferring out of KY.

Well at first it was fun and exciting but eventually it got to be a hassle. Plus , he knew where he wanted to go so why drag it out .

 

[CarolinaCatsFan]

I mean… he’s doing ads with a Kentucky Orthodontist …

 

[bkingUK]

If you’re in rural Kentucky and kid of Jeff Sheppard ranked as #17 recruit in America...and you’re considering a school that isn’t Kentucky... logic would suggest you would probably hold that decision until later in your HS career. Having said that, if he is announcing another school early, kid has elephant balls...

but let’s be real, if we have odds here, it’s like 2:1 Kentucky and 20:1 UVA

 

[uk78_rivals88018]

If he goes to Virginia it would probably be how they watched Allen get so much time in the Duke game. Seriously, it could be an influence on the overall utilization overall during his Kentucky career. Of course, hope it's UK.

 

[bkingUK]

If he goes to Virginia it would probably be how they watched Allen get so much time in the Duke game. Seriously, it could be an influence on the overall utilization overall during his Kentucky career. Of course, hope it's UK.

Allen has nothing to do with Sheppard. Just stop

 

[ala_kat2]

If Reed doesn’t choose UK, it will simply be for the reason that Cal gives the NBA 1-and-done type players playing time over everyone else no matter what.

 

[bkingUK]

If Reed doesn’t choose UK, it will simply be for the reason that Cal gives the NBA 1-and-done type players playing time over everyone else no matter what.

...which is why Keion Brooks starts over Daimion Collins

 

[Spica Orbit]

He’s 16 or 17 years old. He’s not thinking about the money. I’d be surprised he commits to UVA this early, but it’s a great school, with a great Coach. He might not want to pressure of playing at UK. I think this would be a huge loss for Kentucky.
The fact that he just got back from UVA yesterday, sure looks like he spurns Kentucky, and picks Virginia. This sucks.

---
I drove by UVA yesterday, sure looks like I spurn Kentucky fan allegiance and pick Virginia. This sucks.

 

[HagginHall1999]

I mean… he’s doing ads with a Kentucky Orthodontist …

A Kentucky orthodontics practice who is a huge partner of UK athletics...

 

[bkingUK]

I’d actually love to be a fly on the wall when Sheppard visits a place like UVA because whether they state it or not, I’m sure they are thinking...

“And this is our arena Reed (but it doesn’t matter because you’re going to Kentucky).”

“And this is our wall of former stars. Hey look, there’s Ralph Sampson and a few others (your dad’s picture is probably at Kentucky though)”

“And here is our banner (it’s not quite 8 but we have one).”

“We also have players doing commercials (although you are already viral in Kentucky for them)”

“..:but yeah come to UVA, Reed, because we typically don’t get high profile recruits so you’ll get more PT!”

 

[Ryan Lemonds Hair]

This is where my suspicions come from. Reed committing this early could only mean one of two things:

1. Commits to UK and everything is great.

2. Is planning to transfer out-of-state for remainder of high school career and commits somewhere else.

I read an article last year where he said that he had no desire to transfer elsewhere like Oak Hill or Sierra Canyon because he had played with those same teammates since grade school and one of the other kids on the team is a 1st cousin I believe. He said he wanted to finish what they started by winning a state championship.

 

[ganner918_rivals60369]

...which is why Keion Brooks starts over Daimion Collins

I was gonna say, I see the opposite criticism on here all the time - Brooks is "one of Cal's guys" and he's gonna play him over better newcomers. Just like how Cal "just rolls the balls out" and "micromanages the offense" at the same time. There are plenty of valid criticisms to be made but people are just incoherent with it.

 

[westerncat]

Don't think anyone knows anything other than his parents. Everyone on here is just guessing.

 

[bkingUK]

I was gonna say, I see the opposite criticism on here all the time - Brooks is "one of Cal's guys" and he's gonna play him over better newcomers. Just like how Cal "just rolls the balls out" and "micromanages the offense" at the same time. There are plenty of valid criticisms to be made but people are just incoherent with it.

Typically if there is an accepted meme like narrative on this board its usually bs. And I agree that he’s not above criticism.

 

[bthaunert]

Allen has nothing to do with Sheppard. Just stop

I agree. The only reason people bring them up is because they are from the same state. Allen was ranked #68 in the country, Reed is the #21 player in the country and has been rising like crazy. The other guard recently that was ranked around that spot was IQ...he was 22.

 

[bkingUK]

I agree. The only reason people bring them up is because they are from the same state. Allen was ranked #68 in the country, Reed is the #21 player in the country and has been rising like crazy. The other guard recently that was ranked around that spot was IQ...he was 22.

Suspect Reed is probably rated a bit higher than he would be due to legacy status. Would be happy to be proven wrong on that, but regardless... picking him up even bigger than X’s and O’s. Also puts us in right direction for Wagner, whose also a legacy (and I’m sure that will be talked about constantly on broadcasts when both suit up). Plus he’s likely multi-year guy who can contribute every year... and gets the local fans more involved... great pickup

 

[PasadenaCat]

He’s 16 or 17 years old. He’s not thinking about the money. I’d be surprised he commits to UVA this early, but it’s a great school, with a great Coach. He might not want to pressure of playing at UK. I think this would be a huge loss for Kentucky.
The fact that he just got back from UVA yesterday, sure looks like he spurns Kentucky, and picks Virginia. This sucks.

You're right! I've never met a 16 or 17 yo that was influenced by money and fame.

His plan was always to announce after the UVA visit. It's more likely he went there and realized it doesn't match UK and being the local superstar he will be here.

Booing a high school kid based on where he decided to go to college, really?

Also, millions in NIL?? He'd be the 8th-10th man in the rotation not even our stars are getting millions in NIL...

Yea. Ever heard of this guy named Tyler Herro and what he dealt with in Wisconsin after picking UK?

He can very easily make millions. Most of our current team has made well over 6 figures already. TyTy was handed a car worth over 6 figures. If you don't think Reed can blow that out of the water just being a legacy at UK alone, you're nuts!

 

[VA/UK]

Virginia?...I'm not always thrilled with Cal's offense but VIrgina? Really?Have you seen them play?

I’m sure Reed was impressed with UVA getting trounced by NAVY!! in the home opener.

 

[blackcat714]

...which is why Keion Brooks starts over Daimion Collins

Keion was not ranked much higher.

 

[jrpross_rivals]

I agree that an early commitment is a good sign for us (UK).

But I don't think NIL should factor into a decision UNLESS you are so good (i.e. Wagner, Banchero) that it doesn't matter where you go (you OAD lottery pick) or you are so bad that you have no chance at ever getting drafted.
I don't think Sheppard is either of those.

I think you got this one backwards. Being Jeff‘s son, Reed will make a HUGE load more off the NIL at Kentucky over Virginia. He’s already a star in Kentucky before taking the court.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

I agree. It being on a Saturday is the only thing that gives me pause. If it was on a school day, I'd say you could take it to the bank.

I think this is as close to a lock as we can get.

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

I’m from 20 minutes outside of London and know some of the staff at North Laurel. Word in London is it will be UVA. No definite sources, just scuttlebutt from some teachers at North Laurel

Why would teachers know lol. Like he’s gonna spoil it. Hey Mr. Rodgers, I, uh, am going to UVA. I know the entire state will be pissed off. Doesn’t make sense to me.

 

[bnewt]

To be fair,

I want us to have better players than Allen. Allen is a solid player. But we need Tyty and Grady.
As Allen improves in the next year or 2--maybe he gets to where Grady is. I don't think he's that today.

I love the idea of Reed Sheppard at UK because I think/hope he's a 3-4 year guy. But I don't think Reed Sheppard as a freshman is going to necessarily warrant 20+ minutes a game.

Why do you favor Grady over Allen?
If you are going to criticize Allen for his defense, then you have to do the same for Grady

 

[Runnin'Ramel]

If you’re in rural Kentucky and kid of Jeff Sheppard ranked as #17 recruit in America...and you’re considering a school that isn’t Kentucky... logic would suggest you would probably hold that decision until later in your HS career. Having said that, if he is announcing another school early, kid has elephant balls...

but let’s be real, if we have odds here, it’s like 2:1 Kentucky and 20:1 UVA

Agreed. And count me in the “if it’s UVA he’s transferring out of state to a prep school” camp.

 

[snarkster]

If he commits this early, he was never coming to UK ( and probably lends credence to talk of bad blood between Jeff/Call). Get Wagner, Dillingham, Cook and another top wing and it's not that big of a deal (except for the "Is Richie gonna play tonight?" crowd).

Bigger thing is does Wagner play a year of college ball?

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

Ought to brutal for Calapari not Reed. You go where you think you fit and where you feel wanted.

Everybody in the state wants Reed, Cal offered him early, which he rarely does for classes this far away and yet he still doesn’t feel wanted.

 

[bnewt]

He’s 16 or 17 years old. He’s not thinking about the money. I’d be surprised he commits to UVA this early, but it’s a great school, with a great Coach. He might not want to pressure of playing at UK. I think this would be a huge loss for Kentucky.
The fact that he just got back from UVA yesterday, sure looks like he spurns Kentucky, and picks Virginia. This sucks.

There coach also has as many titles as UK's + he has a system
I hope the kid picks UK & is given a fair shake

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

If Reed doesn’t choose UK, it will simply be for the reason that Cal gives the NBA 1-and-done type players playing time over everyone else no matter what.

Then why does Brooks play so much?

 

[*Fox2Monk*]

Suspect Reed is probably rated a bit higher than he would be due to legacy status. Would be happy to be proven wrong on that, but regardless... picking him up even bigger than X’s and O’s. Also puts us in right direction for Wagner, whose also a legacy (and I’m sure that will be talked about constantly on broadcasts when both suit up). Plus he’s likely multi-year guy who can contribute every year... and gets the local fans more involved... great pickup

I don’t think that’s the case at all, his dad is a UK legend but not a recruiting or NBA legend. In fact I’d say it’s harder for Kentucky kids to get ranked high because our basketball in state is on the lower end in the entire country. We don’t have the population for it.

 

[CalipariCapo]

don't know anything about the Cal & Jeff hate feud, but i would hope that isn't true
Jeff was one of the more liked kids that played for UK & led them to a title
If Cal is that stupid not to recognize that, then ............
Again, this is another example of Cal being probably the last coach to offer the kid
That may mean something & then again it may not
Reed has also seen how the home grown kids have been treated during Cal's tenure,
Any kid that hasn't been rated as a 5* did not get a chance

I hope he picks UK, but can sure understand if he doesn't

Was Dominique Hawkins a 5 star recruit? Serious question. I can’t remember