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The Kentucky head coaching search landed on Mark Pope this offseason, and he’ll now be tasked with replacing John Calipari. Pope had previously been at BYU, where he led the Cougars to a pair of NCAA Tournament appearances.
Despite his previous ties to the program, having suited up for the Wildcats’ 1996 national title team, not everyone was thrilled to see him get the job.
Much of that letdown was due to the program’s swinging and missing on more notable names.
Dan Hurley, Billy Donovan, Scott Drew, and Nate Oats all said, “Thanks, but no thanks,” when speaking with administration, leaving the ‘Cats to work their way down the candidate list.
Pope got the call, and he was happy to return to Lexington.
One thing he did have going for him was that link to the ’96 championship squad. Not only was he familiar with the culture and rich history, but he boasted a particularly interesting tie to star player Reed Sheppard.
Sheppard’s father, Jeff, was also a member of that title winning team, and many believed Pope could have a say in keeping Reed in Lexington.
“Our job as coaches is we get to be Sheppards.” – Mark Pope
Immediately looks at Jeff Sheppard and then the fans start to chant, “One More Year!” #BBN pic.twitter.com/DZPuSFN5tF
— Chris Beasmore (@CBeasmoreSports) April 14, 2024
Unfortunately, that bond didn’t prove strong enough to convince him to stay.
Reed Sheppard is spurning Mark Pope to play in the NBA.
It was announced on Thursday that the guard will enter the NBA Draft, foregoing the rest of his college eligibility.
Thank you💙🙏 pic.twitter.com/k6Np3GyYr2
— reed sheppard (@reed_sheppard) April 18, 2024
“Kentucky is home,” he said in a video posted to social media. “Kentucky will always be home, however, there is another part of my dream – to play basketball in the NBA. I believe it is time to pursue that dream.”
That announcement is a shot to the Wildcats as it represents another player lost since Mark Pope’s arrival.
A number of contributors have entered the transfer portal, including center Zvonimir Ivisic, who followed John Calipari to Arkansas.
Sheppard averaged 12.5 points per game in his lone season with the program, saving his best play for the end of the year. Over his last 15 contests, he tallied nine double-digit performances.
That included a trio of 20-point outbursts, as well as a season-high 32 points vs. Mississippi State in February.
He’s projected to be a first round NBA Draft pick according to some scouts, and he’s hoping to capitalize while his stock is high.