Former Kentucky head coach praises young Wildcat star for his play against Mississippi State

Kentucky needed a big road win when they headed to Starkville, and they got it over Mississippi State at the buzzer, winning 91-89. 

The buzzer-beater came from star freshman guard Reed Sheppard, who was begging for the ball the whole way up the floor. He was feeling good and wanted the last shot to win the game. DJ Wagner gave him the rock, and he sank the shot to win it for the Kentucky Wildcats. After the big win over Alabama in Rupp Arena, Kentucky didn't want to lose another midweek road game like they did last week against LSU. After Mississippi State's Josh Hubbard nailed a deep three to tie the game, Sheppard wouldn't let the Wildcats lose again as he called game on the other end. 

Sheppard had a big game against Mississippi State aside from the game-winner as he scored 32 points on 11-14 shooting while bringing in five rebounds, dishing seven assists, blocking two shots, and grabbing two steals. It was a full stat sheet for the freshman phenom. His blocks also came in significant moments of the game, with one of them coming on a Bulldog three-point attempt where Sheppard showed off the vertical to get a piece of the ball. 

After the game, former Kentucky head coach and current St. Johns head coach Rick Pitino commented on Sheppard's play in the victory over Mississippi State. Pitino had this to say about Sheppard on Twitter/X after he hit the game-winner, "Awesome parents n, what a player. Reed Sheppard u are SPECIAL !!!" 

Coming into the season, we didn't know what Sheppard's role would look like for the Wildcats, and now, with three games left in the regular season, he is one of the best players in all of college hoops.