Reed Sheppard enters NBA draft, leaves Kentucky after 1 season - ESPN

Kentucky freshman guard Reed Sheppard will enter the 2024 NBA draft and forgo his remaining college eligibility, he told ESPN on Thursday.

«I'm going all-in,» Sheppard said. «The opportunity I have is great. I've gotten really good feedback showing where I can be in the draft. I had an unbelievable year at Kentucky. It was such a fun year. It's not easy leaving the fans and the school I dreamed of playing at. I need to do what's best for me, and that's heading to the NBA.»

Sheppard, the No. 7 prospect in ESPN's NBA draft projections, was named the SEC freshman of the year and second-team all-conference after averaging 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game and shooting 52.1% from 3. No first-round pick from college has shot over 50% from 3 on similar volume since Glen Rice at Michigan in 1988-89.

«My teammates and coaches put confidence in me, telling me you need to shoot,» Sheppard said. «I was fortunate to be able to get in the gym and work with [Kentucky assistant] coach John Welch every day. He's one of the best trainers you'll find.»

Sheppard was a top-25 recruit and a McDonald's All American coming out of high school, but few expected him to emerge as a one-and-done lottery pick, especially after coming off the bench for most of the season.

Nevertheless, he captivated NBA scouts with his shooting prowess, playmaking acumen, defensive instincts, feel for the game, productivity and never-ending confidence, with a slew of exceptional performances in SEC play.

«I didn't know what to expect coming in,» Sheppard said. «I wasn't going in with the expectations of what ultimately happened. I knew I was going to do whatever I could to help Kentucky win. If I needed to get the team water, I would get