Perry is not Reed, but the reverse is also true as some have already pointed out. Perry is a GREAT shooter and even Reed said that he could not shoot as well as Perry. That's quite a statement. Perry can also create his own shot and is an absolutely deadly shooter. He reminds me of Louie Dampier, but it's obviously way too early to predict that he'll be that good. His release is also quicker than Shep's and his handle is a bit better too. He has great basketball IQ, but isn't the leaper and shot blocker Reed is. I think it's tough to compare the two players, but I have more confidence in Perry than any other Kentucky player in decades, aside from Reed and Griffith. I think Perry will be a pleasant surprise.
As far as Pope is concerned, I will give him the time he needs to prove that he can both coach as well as recruit. This current culture of cbb of greed and instant gratification has ruined the sport and I am not enjoying the way I have since Rupp's Runts in 1966. I hope it reverts back to an amateur sport soon or college basketball as we knew it will never return and that would be a huge loss, especially for UK, a school I attended because I was crazy about its basketball culture and style of play under Adolf Rupp.