The basketball world has rich history in Lexington, KY, the home of the University of Kentucky. Plenty of college athletes have taken their time in Lexington to become basketball stars and eventual kick off long NBA careers. One of those players, Rajon Rondo, ended up playing a solid NBA career which saw him with a championship with the Boston Celtics in 2008.
Recently, Rondo had plenty of good words on Kentucky freshman guard Reed Sheppard in an appearance on the All The Smoke podcast.
“He knows the game,” Rondo said of Sheppard. “He’s always in the right spot. He’s not the most athletic. He’s not the fastest, but his IQ — he’s able to manipulate the game. Now some [people think] he’s the No. 1 [draft] pick in the game. That’s all IQ and the way he shoots the basketball. I’ve seen him work. They have some stuff down there at Kentucky.”
Rondo’s ability to handle and pass the ball in the NBA was a trademark to his game. He did so at the highest level and made a great living doing so. For him to praise Sheppard’s basketball knowledge and ability to “manipulate the game” means plenty.
While Coach Calipari left Sheppard on the bench for the season, his production and impact remained incredible, which will see him end up being a very, very solid draft pick, should he choose to enter the NBA Draft this offseason.
The 2024 NBA Draft class is being regarded as one of the worst in some time, which means Sheppard can capitalize and be a higher draft pick, which would make him more money.
We are in the part of the basketball offseason for the Kentucky Wildcats where the players are making decisions on if they want to head to the NBA Draft, transfer portal, or return to Lexington.
Rob Dillingham will most likely be heading to the NBA Draft, but could star freshman Reed Sheppard return to Kentucky next season?
The SEC Freshman of the Year averaged 12.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 2.5 steals this season while shooting an incredible 52.1% from deep.
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