LONDON — Is he leaving or is he staying?
That’s the million dollar question in Kentucky currently.
No, the “he” isn’t Wildcat coach John Calipari. We all know now that he, to the liking of some UK fans, and not to the linking of many other Wildcat fans, is returning.
The question is about National Freshman of the Year Reed Sheppard.
Yes, it seems like almost every day I’m being asked if he’s returning to wear the blue and white of the University of Kentucky for another season or if he’s gonna test the NBA waters.
My answer: I have no clue.
Honestly, it wouldn’t surprise me one bit to see the former North Laurel Jaguar star return for his sophomore campaign, and then again, I wouldn’t be surprised if he decided to put his name in the NBA Draft.
Honestly, it’s a win/win situation for Sheppard whatever he decides.
I know this — Sheppard is only one of three Kentucky players to be named the United States Basketball Writer’s Association Wayman Tisdale National Freshman of the Year.
The other two?
Wells, let’s just say both players, John Wall, and Anthony Davis, have put together solid NBA careers.
And when the time comes, I expect Sheppard to do the same.
I’ve said it once, and I’ll say it again, his basketball IQ is second to none, and on one will outwork him.
The numbers he accumulated at Kentucky during his freshman season is something I never expected, and I’m sure many others didn’t either.
But that’s why I’ve never doubted what the former star from North Laurel High School could and did do.
This season, I’ve always expected the unexpected with Sheppard.
He surprised my expectations this season deserved everything award that came his way.
Like I said, if he decides to stay at UK for another season, I wouldn’t be surprised, and I would feel the same way if he chose to enter the NBA Draft.
Everyone needs to be patient, and when the time comes, we will know.
Expect the unexpected, but then again, what is the unexpected?
Photo Credit University of Kentucky Athletics
