Reed Sheppard makes history in record-setting performance at Tennessee
The Kentucky Wildcats significantly bolstered their NCAA Tournament credentials by securing a remarkable victory over the fourth-ranked Tennessee Volunteers this past Saturday.
Numerous Wildcats made a substantial contribution to the team’s 85-81 triumph, but none stood out more than Reed Sheppard. He delivered an impressive performance, putting up 27 points, a tally matched by Antonio Reeves, showcasing remarkable accuracy with 9 out of 14 field goals and 7 out of 10 three-pointers.
Aside from his scoring prowess, Sheppard also contributed six rebounds and five assists out of the Cats’ total of 12. His versatile skills made him a standout performer, affirming his status as one of the most outstanding freshmen in the nation.
During this exceptional showing, Sheppard achieved multiple historic milestones for Kentucky, as confirmed by UK statistician Corey Price.
Sheppard established a new Kentucky record by becoming the first player in the university’s history to achieve three games with at least 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists in a single season. Furthermore, he surpassed the freshman scoring record at Tennessee, previously held by Malik Monk.
.@reed_sheppard today scored the most points ever by a @KentuckyMBB freshman against Tennessee in Knoxville (27) (previous high was 25 by Malik Monk on January 24th, 2017)
— Corey Price (@coreyp08) March 9, 2024
Thanks to @bigbluehistory, @reed_sheppard is the first @KentuckyMBB player in school history to have 3 games with at least 25 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists in a single season
— Corey Price (@coreyp08) March 10, 2024
List of Division I men’s basketball players since 1992-1993 to shoot at least 54% from the field, 52% from 3, and 84% from the line in their freshman season (min. 50 2PFG, 3PFG, and FT att. each):
– @reed_sheppard (@kentuckymb) (As of March 9th)
That’s it.
That’s the list.
— Corey Price (@coreyp08) March 10, 2024
List of Division I men’s basketball players since 1992-1993 to have at least 394 points, 139 assists, 133 rebounds, 78 steals, and 23 blocks in their freshman season:
– @reed_sheppard (@KentuckyMBB)
That’s it.
That’s the list.#WeAreUK #BBN #GoBigBlue #LaFamilia
— Corey Price (@coreyp08) March 10, 2024
It seemed like with each successive play, Sheppard’s influence grew apparent, particularly in the second half where he made 7 out of 8 field goal attempts, scoring 19 points, including multiple crucial 3-pointers to maintain Kentucky’s lead.
“REED SHEPPARD ICE IN HIS VEINS!” @KentuckyMBB pic.twitter.com/3qiit3hBua
— CBS Sports College Basketball (@CBSSportsCBB) March 9, 2024
Throughout the season, Sheppard has capitalized on the defensive opportunities presented to him, occasionally to a fault, although he has shown increased assertiveness in recent weeks while maintaining a highly efficient shooting percentage.
Saturday’s game was a shining example of this trend, as he shot 64.3% from the field and 70% from beyond the arc. Sheppard achieved his fourth game with 25+ points and his second game of the season with seven or more 3-pointers.
Despite not being the most physically gifted athlete, Sheppard’s exceptional basketball IQ impressed Tennessee fans and contributed to a significant victory that bolstered his resume.
Thanks to his stellar performances, Kentucky is hitting their stride at a crucial juncture, and hopefully, this momentum will carry over into the upcoming SEC and NCAA Tournaments.
