"It’s too bad you didn’t get to coach him": College hoops world reacts to Kentucky HC Mark Pope extending congratulations to No. 3 pick Reed Sheppard
Reed Sheppard just became the third overall pick of the NBA Draft, joining the Houston Rockets. Kentucky head coach Mark Pope became one of the first people to congratulate him on this achievement. The two-time national championship-winning coach took to his X account and wrote:
"Congrats @reed_sheppard1! Go CATS!!"
Fans were also quick to react to the coach's complementary words, with one stating:
"God I wish you had him instead of who did."
The feeling was widespread, with someone stating:
"It’s too bad you didn’t get to coach him. He would have dominated in your system." added another fan.
Fans of the Kentucky Wildcats also took to X to express their happiness:
"So very proud of Reed and Rob! Great night for UK and BBN!"
"Congratulations Reed so happy for you! #WeAreUK #BBN #NBACats"
"Another Wildcat drafted in the top 5 #BBN"
Reed Sheppard on joining the Houston Rockets as the third overall pick
Reed Sheppard spoke with the press soon after becoming the draft's third overall pick. His first words after the momentous selection were for his family and other important stakeholders in his life, whom he thanked for supporting him and expressed his feelings towards them:
"It was unbelievable, it was a dream come true. It's something that I've been dreaming of since I've been a little kid. Having my family with me at the table, my coach, my agent, having my family in the crowd, I couldn't ask for anything else. It was my mom's birthday today, so that's an awesome thing to celebrate as well. I'm at a loss for words. I'm super happy to be here and super thankful.”
Afterward, he took the time to thank the franchise that selected him and to sum up his view on the future of the Houston Rockets:
“I'm super excited, they have a really good thing going in Houston. The coach (Ime Udoka) is really good. Like you said, Jalen. They have a bunch of really young, athletic guys, and we'll be able to play fast. It's going to be fun. I'm super excited to get out there and learn and take it all in, so I can't wait.”
Reed Sheppard was greeted immediately after being selected by Rockets guard Jalen Green. The 20-year-old Reed Sheppard spent one season at Kentucky, earning the SEC Freshman of the Year award in his year at Lexington.