The Kentucky Wildcats have already started the season with a 3-1 record and are preparing to face Miami (FL), North Carolina, and Louisville in the next month as part of their non-conference schedule. It was widely anticipated that this freshmen class would make a major impact by now. The team boasts several talented guards and big men, similar to John Calipari’s early Lexington teams, and key veteran players to round out the rotation.

However, after four games, no one has mentioned DJ Wagner or Justin Edwards, two highly-regarded NBA Draft prospects, when asked who the team’s top player is. The answer is Reed Sheppard. Sheppard, whose name was well-known to the whole BBN prior to the season, has suddenly thrust himself as one of the top players in college basketball.

A new shooting star

In his most recent game, Reed Sheppard had an outstanding performance. He scored 25 points on 9/10 shooting, including 7/8 from deep. He also had three rebounds, two blocks, three steals, and seven assists. He was the team’s top performer, with a +42 rating. After four games, Sheppard has the highest scoring average in college basketball at 13.3 points per game. He has been shooting an impressive 69% from the field and an incredible 70.6% from 3-point range. He has also been contributing 2.8 assists and 2.8 rebounds per game, improving his offensive output.

What truly sets Sheppard apart from the other players on the Kentucky roster is his performance on both offense and defense. In just four games, he has already accumulated 12 steals and 6 blocks, leading the team in both categories.

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Sheppard is the first freshman to score at least 25 points, make seven three-pointers, and miss only one field goal since 2018 in Division I. If you add in his 7 assists lately, only one other player in college has achieved that stat line since at least 2011.

The most eligible NBA draft pick

Sheppard matches the archetype of a 3-and-D lead guard perfectly, which is necessary for winning basketball games. Though it is too early in the season to declare him a one-and-done player, he has a good chance of getting taken in the 2024 NBA Draft if he can maintain his freshman production for one of the finest collegiate basketball teams.

In addition, he recently finished a game with seven assists, displaying his vision and passing talents. While Sheppard’s season-long 3-point shooting percentage of 70.6% looks implausible, it is apparent that he is a terrific shooter both at rest and off the catch. It’s astonishing to see him shoot from the NCAA 3-point line with such ease at such a young age. That specific shooting is really important to the NBA.

Reed Sheppard as the Wildcat

Reed Sheppard becomes the initial signee for Kentucky’s Class of 2023, solidifying his commitment to the Wildcats. After four games, he has demonstrated his ability to do it all, including spread the floor, lead the offense, and block shots.

His presence has given Kentucky’s team the lift it needed to go from outside the preseason rankings to the Final Four. So far this season, the teenager from London has impressed one and all with his enthralling opening performance.

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The rookie guard is having a fantastic season thus far. Could Kentucky’s 6-foot-3 lead guard be the next one-and-done player? Please share your opinions with us in the comments area.