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Men's Basketball

Reed Sheppard Posts Subliminal Message, “I’m Here to Prove I’m Better than My Father Was”

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Kentucky Wildcats guard Reed Sheppard (15) brings the ball down the court during Big Blue Madness at Rupp Arena at Central Bank Center.
© Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

The Sheppard name carries a lot of weight in Kentucky basketball lore. Of course, Jeff Sheppard won two national titles with the men’s basketball team (1996 and 1998), along with winning NCAA Final Four Most Outstanding Player in 1998. His wife, Stacey Sheppard (formerly Reed), is one of the greatest players in Kentucky women’s basketball history, sitting at the top or towards the top in many categories of the record books.

So when their son, Reed, entered the Top 100 recruiting rankings back in early 2021- ranked as high as 17th at one point – Kentucky reached out to show interest. In November of that year, Reed made the decision to follow in his parent’s footsteps and became Kentucky’s first commitment to the 2023 class.

Just weeks out from his regular season debut, Reed put out an Instagram post on Wednesday that features a subliminal message. In the post, is a picture of Reed’s Big Blue Madness introduction, but it also features a song by country music artist, Zach Bryan, called “Open the Gate.”

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In the portion of the song in the post, the lyrics say, “I’m here to prove I’m better than my father was,”

Given the success of his parents, Reed will certainly have a lot of pressure, but he looks ready for the challenge. That said, he will have a lot of work to do to prove that he is better than his father, but time will tell.

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Men's Basketball

Jaxson Robinson Still Pursuing NBA Opportunity After Going Undrafted

A late-season wrist injury derailed Robinson’s draft hopes, but the former Kentucky guard could still carve out a professional path.

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Chet White | UK Athletics

Injuries suck.

Nearly three days after the conclusion of the 2025 NBA Draft, former Kentucky Wildcat Jaxson Robinson remains an undrafted free agent.

Robinson followed Mark Pope from BYU to Kentucky, but his 2024-25 season ended prematurely after he sustained a wrist injury that ultimately required surgery in early March.

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The injury couldn’t have come at a worse time for both Robinson and the Wildcats. In 24 games, he averaged 13.0 points, 3.5 rebounds and 1.7 assists in 28.1 minutes per game. He shot 46.2% from the field and 45.7% from 3-point range in SEC play.

Simply put, he was hooping.

Big Blue Nation will always wonder “what if” when it comes to Robinson’s health entering the NCAA Tournament — and what Kentucky missed in his absence. The same goes for Robinson. What if he had been able to play a key role in a deep March run? What would that have done for his draft stock? Could he have become a star?

We’ll never know. But one thing is certain: injuries suck.

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Whoever decides to take a chance on Robinson will be getting a high-level shooter with a 7-foot wingspan and solid athleticism. He first earned attention from NBA scouts as the Big 12 Sixth Man of the Year at BYU. That season, he also received honorable mention All-Big 12 honors, averaging 14.2 points per game off the bench and helping BYU reach the NCAA Tournament.

Before transferring to BYU in 2022, Robinson began his college career at Texas A&M, where he played in 14 games as a true freshman and averaged 2.6 points. He then transferred to Arkansas, appearing in 16 games with four starts and averaging 3.4 points per game.

Despite his experience and talent, the veteran guard remains on the market. He won’t be joining Koby Brea and Amari Williams as Kentucky’s selections in the 2025 NBA Draft, but he could still find his place in the league, possibly joining fellow undrafted teammates Lamont Butler (Atlanta Hawks) and Andrew Carr (Portland Trail Blazers), who have already signed deals.

Had it not been for his late-season wrist injury, it’s likely Robinson would have heard his name called on draft night.

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But life works in mysterious ways. And who knows — maybe this is a blessing in disguise for the beginning of Robinson’s professional career.

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Men's Basketball

Amari Williams Selected No. 46 by the Boston Celtics in the 2025 NBA Draft

Amari Williams is the second Kentucky player selected in the 2025 NBA Draft, as Boston takes the big man with their second round pick.

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Amari Williams is drafted by the Boston Celtics.
Wesley Hale | Imagn Images

Fan-favorite big man (and official Weetabix sponsor) Amari Williams has officially made it to the big leagues, taken by the Boston Celtics with the 46th pick in the 2025 NBA Draft, via a trade with the Orlando Magic.

The selection makes Williams the second Wildcat to be scooped up from this year’s pool, following Koby Brea being picked by the Phoenix Suns just five picks earlier at the 41st spot. From Mark Pope’s first Kentucky team, two transfer athletes (thus far) in their last year of eligibility have achieved next-level dreams by way of the blue and white.

Williams, who averaged 11 points, nine rebounds, and three assists per game during his lone season in Lexington, will look to aid Boston in filling their recently vacant five-spot, left by the recently traded Kristaps Porzingis.

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As Wildcat fans surely know, not only can Williams battle with the best of them in the paint, but he can run the floor as efficiently as just about any guard, too. His versatility and sizable frame ensure a high ceiling in the NBA and, despite not every draft board seeing him selected, the league champions two years removed made the call when it mattered.

Hailing overseas from Nottingham, England, and spending his first four years of college basketball at the University of Drexel, Williams’ success is a testament not only to Kentucky Basketball’s immaculate tradition, but to his own incredible work ethic and intangible ability.

Cats fans will be sure to follow and support their point-center to the next level, as they always do. Go be great, Amari – all of BBN has your back.

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Koby Brea Selected No. 41 by the Phoenix Suns in the 2025 NBA Draft

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Tristan Pharis | KY Insider

Koby Brea arrived at Kentucky last season as one of the nation’s deadliest shooters, lived up to the billing, and reaped his rewards on Thursday night at the NBA Draft. The former Kentucky star is heading to the Phoenix Suns with the No. 41 overall pick

As a 6-foot-7 wing, Brea entered the 2025 NBA Draft as one of the most experienced prospects after spending four years at Dayton and a fifth at Kentucky during Mark Pope’s successful first season as head coach, where he became one of the best three-point shooters in all of college basketball.

Last season at Kentucky, the Bronx native averaged 11.6 points and 3.2 rebounds per game while shooting 43.5% from beyond the arc on nearly six attempts per game in 36 games, 16 of which were starts, showcasing his scoring ability in transition, off the catch, and via handoffs and screens.

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Not only did Brea achieve his own dreams of playing at the next level, but becomes a piece of history for Pope, becoming the first player drafted out of Kentucky during the Pope era.

Brea joins a rebuilding franchise with a notorious background for drafting Kentucky guards. Eric Bledsoe rings the bell, Tyler Ulis of course, and the Suns’ all-time leading scorer, Devin Booker obviously leads the pack.

Go be great Fuego!

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