That is the expectation for the Wildcats, and as he begins his first year, Pope hopes to have one of last year’s finest players to help him meet those goals soon.
Pope was discussing the Sheppards’ faith, but he also disclosed that while speaking with Reed’s father, Jeff, he called out to a higher power of his own.
“I told Jeff, I’m spending a lot of time praying that God will call him back to Kentucky.”
Mark Pope wants Reed Sheppard back in blue.https://t.co/EnPjjpS9BP pic.twitter.com/fl9XQPnqRQ
— KSR (@KSRonX) April 16, 2024
Reed Sheppard, a super freshman, is still deciding whether to pursue the NBA Draft as a lottery pick or return to Kentucky. Pope discussed this choice on his first radio show appearance as Kentucky’s head coach.
“I told (Jeff) I’m spending a lot of time praying that God will call him back to Kentucky,” Pope said with a laugh.
There’s a reason why Pope wants Sheppard back. As a freshman, he averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, and 4.1 rebounds per game for the Wildcats, while shooting 53.6% from the field and 52.1% from deep.
If Sheppard had not missed the opening round of March Madness versus Oakland University, his return to Kentucky would not have seemed likely.
Frankly, it still isn’t, which is why the Pope has turned to prayer.
