The University of Kentucky has been a source for guards who went on to have solid NBA careers. For Reed Sheppard, this is no longer surprising, as the school’s basketball program incorporates elements that effectively enhance athletes’ development and prepare them for potential careers after college.
He saw it firsthand after playing one season with the Wildcats. Reed shared that his skills advanced immensely in a setting where he had to put in the work, lest he find himself getting left behind.
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The Houston Rockets guard spoke about it on his recent appearance on “The Old Man and The Three” podcast, citing, among other things, how having to compete against other top guards in his class in practice sharpened him a lot.
“I mean, I think a lot of it is like you never go to Kentucky as like the only guard. So, like my class, it was like me, Rob Dillingham, DJ Wagner, Justin Edwards, um, Antonio Reeves. So, like those guys are like all in the NBA and you go against them like every day in practice,” he said. “Like, you’re not going against guys that aren’t going to make it to the NBA. You’re going against legit NBA players all summer every day in practice.”
It also helped their development that their then-coach, John Calipari, embodied what Wildcats basketball is all about: bringing out the best in his players and teaching them new skills to expand their game.
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“And then, um, you know, Coach Cal just does such a good job of developing players and just getting them where they need to go and, like, just pushing you to new limits and just learning new stuff,” he further said.
Given his experience in college, where he could have stayed for four years at Kentucky, Sheppard felt he was already ready for the pros and entered the 2024 NBA Draft, where he was selected third overall by the Rockets.
Notable alumni
Among the recent notable guards to come out of Kentucky is the reigning NBA Most Valuable Player, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander of the Oklahoma City Thunder. While he only played one season for the Wildcats, averaging 14.4 points, 5.1 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 1.6 steals, it was enough to set the foundation for one of the most effective two-way guard plays the league has seen.
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Devin Booker is another solid alumnus who was part of a talented freshman class in 2014. He only played one year before making the jump to the NBA, where he was selected by the Phoenix Suns as the 13th pick and is now the all-time leading scorer in franchise history.
Another one is Tyler Herro, the sweet-shooting guard of the Miami Heat. He also played only one season at Kentucky and has steadily performed well in the NBA, winning the league’s Sixth Man of the Year award in 2022 and becoming an All-Star last season.
Other standout Wildcat guards in the NBA right now are Shaedon Sharpe, Keldon Johnson, Tyrese Maxey, Malik Monk, Jamal Murray and De’Aaron Fox.
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Related: Reed Sheppard talks about growing up in Kentucky and which Wildcats squad is his favorite
Sheppard is carving his role
Reed is now in his second season in the NBA and is steadily establishing himself, much like the other Kentucky guards. He has jacked up his numbers to 13.5 points, 3.4 assists. 3.1 rebounds and 1.5 steals while shooting 44.2% from three-point territory in the ongoing campaign.
Rockets coach Ime Udoka has taken notice of the young guard’s development and is optimistic about what is in store for him.
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“His offense is there, obviously, he’s making shots. It gives us a different look in the pick-and-roll with his shot-making ability. But defensively is where he’s shown the improvement overall.” Udoka said of Sheppard in a report that came out on Sports Illustrated.
While he remains a work in progress, armed with the lessons and habits he learned. At the same time, at Kentucky, it should only be a matter of time before Sheppard is mentioned in the same breath as the other standout Wildcat guards in the NBA.
This story was originally published by Basketball Network on Dec 28, 2025, where it first appeared in the College section. Add Basketball Network as a Preferred Source by clicking here.