“If it was anyone else id be mad”: Robert Dillingham supports former teammate Reed Sheppard as fans go gaga over rocket's star
Former Kentucky Wildcat Robert Dillingham recently collaborated with Bleacher Report to interview the fans at the Summer League. In the short video posted on July 23, Dillingham asked the attendees about the player they came to witness in the ongoing tournament and their projections for the Rookie of the Year candidate.
While some fans advocated for the Minnesota Timberwolves 8th overall pick, Dillingham's candidacy was outnumbered by fans' endorsements for his former Kentucky teammate Reed Sheppard, who was selected third by the Houston Rockets.
"Anyone else, I'd be mad. But, I f**k with Reed. I like that answer," Dilligham sportingly supported fans' notion.
Despite the outlines of the NBA restraining them from being teammates, Dillingham and Sheppard share a camaraderie that extends beyond the basketball court.
Apart from mutual respect, support and complementary play-styles, the two one-and-done Wildcats have a collaborative history of pairing up and giving back to the community.
In December 2023, Sheppard paired up with RAC Recovery, Kentucky's top rehabilitation center, while bringing Dillingham and other teammates to spread awareness. They also ventured into business together when they partnered with the pizza franchise Donatos through their NIL benefits.
Robert Dillingham and Reed Sheppard's college success came out of their partnership
Kentucky fans' first sighting of Dillingham and Sheppard as potential Kentucky stars came in a late January 2023 game against Kansas. Robert Dillingham and Sheppard were called upon before the game to be introduced as future Wildcats.
The two similarly transitioned to the NBA, playing just one season with the program and becoming their star players.
Despite having the skill set to be the face of the program, Reed Sheppard and Robert Dillingham accepted to come off the bench for John Calipari. Moreover, they shined in their roles.
Sheppard averaged 12.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists while shooting 52.1% from the three-point line. On the other hand, Dillingham averaged 15.2 points, 2.9 rebounds and 3.9 assists while making 47.5% of his shots.
Their highest-scoring games came in February. Dillingham posted 35 points against Tennessee on the 3rd and Sheppard scored 32 points on the 27th against Mississippi State.
The two recently went against each other for the first time in the NBA 2k25 Summer League. Sheppard led the Rockets with 20 points, 7 assists and 5 rebounds while the Wolves garnered a 93-83 win as Dillingham scored 15 points, 6 assists and 5 rebounds.