Mark Pope. Mark Pope Introductory Press Conference. Photo by Eddie Justice | UK Athletics
Reed Sheppard becomes the highest-drafted player to play at UK and be from Kentucky
Sheppard will go down as a fan-favorite for a long time in Lexington.
Heading into last season, the Kentucky Wildcats had plenty of hype surrounding another No. 1 recruiting class. Of that class, only two players heard their name called at the NBA Draft last week, with Reed Sheppard leading the way, hearing his name called at No. 3 overall to the Houston Rockets.
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Sheppard, a native of London (KY), became the first player from Eastern Kentucky to be selected since 1987 when Todd May was selected by the San Antonio Spurs in the fourth round.
According to Ben Roberts of the Lexington Herald-Leader, Sheppard also became the highest-drafted player from the state of Kentucky to have played for the Cats.
During the John Calipari era, numerous players instantly became fan favorites while in Lexington and continue to be to this day. You have John Wall, DeMarcus Cousins, Tyler Ulis, Willie Cauley-Stein, Oscar Tshiebwe, and many more.
But for many across the Commonwealth, Sheppard has stepped right to the front of that list. He has also been put in a solid position with a young Rockets roster.
After finishing the season 41-41, the front office in Houston was looking to pair elite shooting with their already solid backcourt. Add in the playmaking ability and the defensive prowess, and the Rockets found a gem for what they needed in Sheppard.
It might not have ended the way everyone thought, but Sheppard has still found his way among the all-time greats to be from Kentucky and play for the Cats.
