Is Freshman Sheppard better than Freshman Chapman

[UK90]

If you just look at stats it is Reed. He leads in literally every category minus ppg but that isn't everything. Granted we are only 1/3 through the season. The pace Reed is on suggests it is him by a mile. Conference season will tell alot but his performance against top competition suggests not much will change.

Rex:
33mpg
16ppg/.44/.39
2.3 rbs
3.6 ast
1.2 stl
.5 blks
2.4 TO

Reed:
27mpg
13ppg/.59/.58
4.6 rbs
4.8 ast
2.8 stl
.8 blks
1.5 TO

This lays it out very nicely. The factual evidence so far CLEARLY says Reed.

That could easily change though. Reed still hasn’t played SEC competition, or done true road trips, or had a mid-season slump, etc. But the hard evidence we have after 1/3 of the season points to a clear answer.

 

[ThroughBlue]

Reed is better on D but rex does have felony theft on his record

 

[Aike]

For those of you just looking at stats, kind of wish you had a time machine.

Same token, would love to transplant a freshman Rex into a team playing this style and see what that looked like. Eddie Sutton was a grinder. That team averaged in the 60s.

Reed is a great player, and incredibly efficient. I think that efficiency would necessarily suffer if he were handed the keys and expected to be option 1 on offense.

 

[Soupbean]

I think a case can be made.

I know we will have to wait until the season is over to make a true and clear assessment and Sheppard clearly has a better supporting cast.

Ill hang up and listen.

Great question. Rex was pretty dang good, a phenom, electric and fun to watch. Reed has a way to go to match that but all around impact he may just match him or be better.

 

[Toeriver]

I think a case can be made.

I know we will have to wait until the season is over to make a true and clear assessment and Sheppard clearly has a better supporting cast.

Ill hang up and listen.

Are you serious lol

 

[UKBB4Ever]

I love Sheppard and am damn he’s on our team. But Rex was better.

Is Sheppard more skilled than Rex in some areas? Yes.

The better player was Rex.

Both are supernovas though. 🏀

 

[crestcat]

Different players impossible to compare.

 

[ZenCatFan73]

Showing my age, but I think Rex was better. Taking nothing away from Reed. He’s great.

 

[bowfreak]

It is complicated to me. Rex was a jerk. Rex was phenomenal. Reed has been great and even as good as he has been, I believe Rex was better. I knew Rex was different when I listened to what fans of other schools said about him. I went to college 89-93 with a guy from Auburn, AL and he talked about Rex like he was MJ.

For this team, I am taking Reed all day long. We don't need a guy who dominates the ball and has to be the man. I'll take the guy who can be the man without taking a shot.

 

[uk78]

Too early to tell. Interesting how some make their response based upon their dislike of Rex versus the question. Rex was a pro and could carry the team. Reed is not in that situation. Reed can pick and choose his spots and we have yet to see him take over a game on offense for the full tilt. Rex had to.

The test will come when we play a good team and Reed is the one taking most of the shots and carrying the team. I honestly don't think we will see him in that role this season. Perhaps we should but that is up to Cal.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

Jmo (and I loved rex) his legend is way better than he was. He was a charismatic cocky athletic player who was a streaky shooter. The only consistent thing about his game was the fact he was shooting it no matter what. When he was on, it was lights out. When he was off, he was going to miss his way to a loss or near loss. UK fans remember the highlights and he was full of those.

Reed is much better. He makes all the plays, is consistent, and never looks to be the focal point. He will rarely produce a highlight play but is way more likely to produce the ultimate highlight of winning a title.

Jmo but Tyler herro was much better than Rex and is a vastly underrated player at UK. He was an Ashton Hagans meltdown from leading that team to a title. He could do it all.

Rex was just before my time, so highlights only.

If you just look at stats it is Reed. He leads in literally every category minus ppg but that isn't everything. Granted we are only 1/3 through the season. The pace Reed is on suggests it is him by a mile. Conference season will tell alot but his performance against top competition suggests not much will change.

Rex:
33mpg
16ppg/.44/.39
2.3 rbs
3.6 ast
1.2 stl
.5 blks
2.4 TO

Reed:
27mpg
13ppg/.59/.58
4.6 rbs
4.8 ast
2.8 stl
.8 blks
1.5 TO

Thanks for these stats. Much like I said above, the legend of rex grew over the years far eclipsing his actual production. Without looking I would've totally guessed his production was much higher.

 

[K_TIME]

Rex was just before my time, so highlights only.

If you just look at stats it is Reed. He leads in literally every category minus ppg but that isn't everything. Granted we are only 1/3 through the season. The pace Reed is on suggests it is him by a mile. Conference season will tell alot but his performance against top competition suggests not much will change.

Rex:
33mpg
16ppg/.44/.39
2.3 rbs
3.6 ast
1.2 stl
.5 blks
2.4 TO

Reed:
27mpg
13ppg/.59/.58
4.6 rbs
4.8 ast
2.8 stl
.8 blks
1.5 TO

This is what I was going to post…ultimately Reed has to cool down on shooting so we’ll eventually. But it’s Reed as the better player thus far

 

[jerrycat75]

Rex never made a teammate better !

 

[Oboro3]

2 different style of players. Like asking if Reed is better than Wall of Fox. If Rex stayed for 4 years, he would be UK's all time scoring leader. He still averaged 16 pts a game as a freshman on a team where the opposing team's defense was meant to shut him down. Although Reed is a good player, I don't believe he could take the full blunt of a targetted defense and thrive like he has. Reed benefits from playing on a team that has multiple targets that a defense must account for. You build a team around a player like Chapman. You add players like Reed to compliment your team built around Chapman.

A more adequate comparison would be to compare Reed to Kyle Macy for those old timers out there. High IQ, hits the open shot and seemz to make the right play at the right time. One thing Reed excels is at his defense. Macy wasn't known for his defense...

 

[littlecreek]

2 different style of players. Like asking if Reed is better than Wall of Fox. If Rex stayed for 4 years, he would be UK's all time scoring leader. He still averaged 16 pts a game as a freshman on a team where the opposing team's defense was meant to shut him down. Although Reed is a good player, I don't believe he could take the full blunt of a targetted defense and thrive like he has. Reed benefits from playing on a team that has multiple targets that a defense must account for. You build a team around a player like Chapman. You add players like Reed to compliment your team built around Chapman.

A more adequate comparison would be to compare Reed to Kyle Macy for those old timers out there. High IQ, hits the open shot and seemz to make the right play at the right time. One thing Reed excels is at his defense. Macy wasn't known for his defense...

Reed is more comparable to Macy, probably more athletic but Macy is the standard by which all Kentucky point guards are measured in modern basketball.

 

[WildKatFan01]

You just don't like Chapman

I grew up watching Chapman. I was playing high school ball back then and I loved watching him play and trying to emulate some of his moves. But he was very entitled and arrogant. No doubt he was a stud here. One of a kind.

However I think Sheppard just seems to appreciate the game more. He’s not as athletic as his dad was, but he’s cerebral and has great anticipation. I like the comparison more of Herro and Chapman rather than Reed and Chapman. I think that comparison is more of a conversation.

 

[WildKatFan01]

But as many stated, Rex had to be the man here his freshman year. The hype around Chapman was crazy then. Did you all know he was a lifelong UL fan? Was going to commit to UL until Eddie Sutton got hired and held off committing until his senior year in high school. He didnt wanna play for Joe B’d offense revolved around big men. Eddie Sutton knew the 3 point shot was gonna be a game changer and went after Rex HARD when he got hired.

 

[WildKatFan01]

Says the current asshole....

I’m sorry Rex…did I hurt your feelings? Need an oxy to cope? Stupid ass…

 

[crashtestdummy]

I’m sorry Rex…did I hurt your feelings? Need an oxy to cope? Stupid ass…

Doesn't bother me that you're an asshole.
Upon reading your posts, I'm guessing your medicine cabinet is quite extensive. May I suggest taking your Lithium as directed, next time.

 

[HagginHall1999]

2 different style of players. Like asking if Reed is better than Wall of Fox. If Rex stayed for 4 years, he would be UK's all time scoring leader. He still averaged 16 pts a game as a freshman on a team where the opposing team's defense was meant to shut him down. Although Reed is a good player, I don't believe he could take the full blunt of a targetted defense and thrive like he has. Reed benefits from playing on a team that has multiple targets that a defense must account for. You build a team around a player like Chapman. You add players like Reed to compliment your team built around Chapman.

A more adequate comparison would be to compare Reed to Kyle Macy for those old timers out there. High IQ, hits the open shot and seemz to make the right play at the right time. One thing Reed excels is at his defense. Macy wasn't known for his defense...

Having not seen Rex play in college I do struggle in understanding how a 6'4 guy who could jump out of the gym averaged 2.5 rebounds per game. Seems bizarre. Reed just seems like a better all around player. I don't know if Rex was capable of doing what Reed does when a defense tries to take him out. Reed is quite adept at just going with flow of game....won't let him shoot? He'll take 10 assts...

Anyway, not sure if he would have been all time scorer or not. Maybe for a period but ultimate example of that person is Mashburn. He comes back for SR year and he shatters scoring record.

In terms of 3 year players to match Issel production the only comps would be Monk and Murray. Those guys legit could have broken in 3 years. Their pace was above Dan as Freshmen.

 

[MasonCoBlue]

Handles: Rex
Explosiveness: Rex
Cerebral: Reed
Passing: Tie
Shooting: Reed (although Rex could catch fire and it was crazy to watch...so its close.)

I mean we could go on and on with lists and categories but they are different players. Rex always had a target on his back. Reed is a quiet assassin that be before you know it...he's got numbers. And they can be big numbers.

We haven't even started SEC play so it's still hard to compare. At this point, Rex is still King IMHO by quite a bit. After his time at UK...that's why so many on the board have problems with Rex and I have no problem with that.

 

[CB3UK]

You gotta love what Reed brings to the table. I was a baby when Rex was here so I can't give a fair opinion on the matter. I've watched a couple of his games on YouTube and I agree with what everyone is saying....Rex more highlights with Reed being a more savvy ball player.

 

[WildKatFan01]

Doesn't bother me that you're an asshole.
Upon reading your posts, I'm guessing your medicine cabinet is quite extensive. May I suggest taking your Lithium as directed, next time.

I think you got me confused with someone else Rex…But whatever…junkies gonna junk…pop another one Rexy…

 

[crashtestdummy]

Perhaps Rex's behavior is a product of his struggle with substance abuse.
It would appear your struggle with behavior comes naturally....

Some advice....when finding yourself in a hole, stop digging!

 

[UKBB4Ever]

Handles: Rex
Explosiveness: Rex
Cerebral: Reed
Passing: Tie
Shooting: Reed (although Rex could catch fire and it was crazy to watch...so its close.)

I mean we could go on and on with lists and categories but they are different players. Rex always had a target on his back. Reed is a quiet assassin that be before you know it...he's got numbers. And they can be big numbers.

We haven't even started SEC play so it's still hard to compare. At this point, Rex is still King IMHO by quite a bit. After his time at UK...that's why so many on the board have problems with Rex and I have no problem with that.

That comparison reminds me of two players I played with. One was an explosive scorer and would get 30 and you thought he had more.

The other you would think had a bad game but the stat sheet would show 20 points, 12 rebounds, 6 assists and 5 steals. And you would think, when the hell did he do all that.

Everyone watching thought the former was the better player. The team knew the second one was.

 

[Cornett195]

It’s a terrible comparison. Rex was a taller more explosive Dillingham as a freshman. Reed on the court is a second Macy. Just got to watch but a game or two of Macy’s freshman year at Purdue but saw all of his sophomore games at Kentucky. Sophomore Macy is the level of his current play. Macy made some AA teams that year and we won the NCAA. Let’s hope Reed continues to play like Macy and Dilly plays like a mini Rex.

 

[WildKatFan01]

Perhaps Rex's behavior is a product of his struggle with substance abuse.
It would appear your struggle with behavior comes naturally....

Some advice....when finding yourself in a hole, stop digging!

Thanks for that advice Rex…is that one of the 12 steps in your rehab?

 

[crashtestdummy]

Thanks for that advice Rex…is that one of the 12 steps in your rehab?

See that is what I'm talking about. The fact you think this is funny or degrading, is a testament to your low character. How can you even breath, so high upon that horse?

 

[UK2005_24]

I'd take Rex but Reed is close!

 

[WildKatFan01]

See that is what I'm talking about. The fact you think this is funny or degrading, is a testament to your low character. How can you even breath, so high upon that horse?

I asserted an opinion…my own personal one…had nothing to do with you…then you called me an a$$hole for it…so, if you don’t want sh!t, don’t start sh!t…comprende Rexy?…but keep going…i got all day

 

[UK90]

It’s a terrible comparison. Rex was a taller more explosive Dillingham as a freshman. Reed on the court is a second Macy.

I basically agree with his. We’re comparing Rex to the wrong Sheppard. Oddly enough, Rex’s best comparative is probably Reed’s dad. Jeff and Rex were very similar players, extremely athletic white wings who played the wing very well … but were not at all suited for the point role.

Reed is a different sort of a player. Much more of a point guard type. Much more like Macy …albeit with more quickness/athleticism.

 

[crashtestdummy]

I asserted an opinion…my own personal one…had nothing to do with you…then you called me an a$$hole for it…so, if you don’t want sh!t, don’t start sh!t…comprende Rexy?…but keep going…i got all day

I stated a fact. If you don't like being called an asshole, perhaps you shouldn't condescend to people that struggle with an addiction. I have no doubt, you've got all day. Finding a friend to spend time with must be difficult for you.

 

[WildKatFan01]

I stated a fact. If you don't like being called an asshole, perhaps you shouldn't condescend to people that struggle with an addiction. I have no doubt, you've got all day. Finding a friend to spend time with must be difficult for you.

Fact huh? That’s grand. Here’s an idea snowflake. Might save you some future beat downs like the ones I’m giving you now:

You dont like what someone says, move on or dont read it…seems no one else has an issue with what I said. Only you Rex…so you made a choice…that’s your prerogative…you felt the need to attack me based on something that everyone else already knows about you, er um, about Rex. He’s a narcissistic pill poppin thief that could play ball when he was younger. <— There’s your fact snowflake. Probably high when he did that as well…

i don’t have any empathy or sympathy for drug addicts and/or thieves…Nobody made them put that stuff in their mouth, or smoke it, or inject it. And dont hand me that “but life is so hard, I’m in so much pain, I need to cope”….please…there are millions more people in this world that have REAL problems…kids with cancer…children and adults starving in 3rd world countries…veterans in this country that are homeless…just to name a few….talk to me about those problems people face rather than his junkie ass putting some kind of euphoric inducing substance in their body to help them through their day to day millionaire lifestyle and stroll up to an Apple store to swipe a few ipads…i’ll call it out and laugh at people who think that’s a “problem”…that’s hardly a problem…that’s nothing but bad choices…ANOTHER FACT.

Wanna keep going Rex?…I think you should stop…ignore me or block me…I’m trying help you save face Rex.

 

[Bank Cat]

I think a case can be made.

I know we will have to wait until the season is over to make a true and clear assessment and Sheppard clearly has a better supporting cast.

Ill hang up and listen.

Better shooter than Rex. More well-rounded. Not as athletic or dynamic. Not as out of control like Rex was at times.

 

[Bank Cat]

I think you got me confused with someone else Rex…But whatever…junkies gonna junk…pop another one Rexy…

Rex has been sober for a long time now.

 

[crashtestdummy]

Fact huh? That’s grand. Here’s an idea snowflake. Might save you some future beat downs like the ones I’m giving you now:

You dont like what someone says, move on or dont read it…seems no one else has an issue with what I said. Only you Rex…so you made a choice…that’s your prerogative…you felt the need to attack me based on something that everyone else already knows about you, er um, about Rex. He’s a narcissistic pill poppin thief that could play ball when he was younger. <— There’s your fact snowflake. Probably high when he did that as well…

i don’t have any empathy or sympathy for drug addicts and/or thieves…Nobody made them put that stuff in their mouth, or smoke it, or inject it. And dont hand me that “but life is so hard, I’m in so much pain, I need to cope”….please…there are millions more people in this world that have REAL problems…kids with cancer…children and adults starving in 3rd world countries…veterans in this country that are homeless…just to name a few….talk to me about those problems people face rather than his junkie ass putting some kind of euphoric inducing substance in their body to help them through their day to day millionaire lifestyle and stroll up to an Apple store to swipe a few ipads…i’ll call it out and laugh at people who think that’s a “problem”…that’s hardly a problem…that’s nothing but bad choices…ANOTHER FACT.

Wanna keep going Rex?…I think you should stop…ignore me or block me…I’m trying help you save face Rex.

Interesting: You think you are giving me a "beat down" calling me a junkie. LOL...The question is....would you like to continue displaying the celebration of your ignorance?

 

[Bank Cat]

Fact huh? That’s grand. Here’s an idea snowflake. Might save you some future beat downs like the ones I’m giving you now:

You dont like what someone says, move on or dont read it…seems no one else has an issue with what I said. Only you Rex…so you made a choice…that’s your prerogative…you felt the need to attack me based on something that everyone else already knows about you, er um, about Rex. He’s a narcissistic pill poppin thief that could play ball when he was younger. <— There’s your fact snowflake. Probably high when he did that as well…

i don’t have any empathy or sympathy for drug addicts and/or thieves…Nobody made them put that stuff in their mouth, or smoke it, or inject it. And dont hand me that “but life is so hard, I’m in so much pain, I need to cope”….please…there are millions more people in this world that have REAL problems…kids with cancer…children and adults starving in 3rd world countries…veterans in this country that are homeless…just to name a few….talk to me about those problems people face rather than his junkie ass putting some kind of euphoric inducing substance in their body to help them through their day to day millionaire lifestyle and stroll up to an Apple store to swipe a few ipads…i’ll call it out and laugh at people who think that’s a “problem”…that’s hardly a problem…that’s nothing but bad choices…ANOTHER FACT.

Wanna keep going Rex?…I think you should stop…ignore me or block me…I’m trying help you save face Rex.

You’re not giving him a beat down. You’re showing your ass with your uneducated “view” on addiction. If a vet gets wounded in combat and develops an addiction to opiates, to hell with him/her too, right? If a cancer patient was prescribed addictive substances for pain management and became addicted, that doesn’t count?
You’re just not a very educated dude on this topic.

“Ignore” has been selected.

 

[bigblueinsanity]

It’s a terrible comparison. Rex was a taller more explosive Dillingham as a freshman. Reed on the court is a second Macy. Just got to watch but a game or two of Macy’s freshman year at Purdue but saw all of his sophomore games at Kentucky. Sophomore Macy is the level of his current play. Macy made some AA teams that year and we won the NCAA. Let’s hope Reed continues to play like Macy and Dilly plays like a mini Rex.

Comparing rex to dillingham is way out there. Of all the comparisons

 

[WildKatFan01]

You’re not giving him a beat down. You’re showing your ass with your uneducated “view” on addiction. If a vet gets wounded in combat and develops an addiction to opiates, to hell with him/her too, right? If a cancer patient was prescribed addictive substances for pain management and became addicted, that doesn’t count?
You’re just not a very educated dude on this topic.

“Ignore” has been selected.

i’m sure I’m not ignore, so here it goes…LOL

Hey, it’s called willpower my friend. And we’re talking about Rex here my friend. Stop with the whataboutisms…not talking about some vet who was disabled in combat to defend our country and sorry ass people as yourself….or some cancer patient who was inflicted with a disease. Keep up with the conversation sparky. We’re talking about a person who made millions off of idolizers as yourself then couldnt handle the pressure and decided to cope by popping stuff in his mouth because he felt sorry for his wittle self... Oh, and then he became a thief….You think I feel sorry for a person who makes bad choices then wants to play the victim because of his choice? Hahahahaha…you got me f’d up sparky. Sorry, not this guy.

Uneducated view?…oh educate me exalted one 😂

Maybe Rex should’ve just ignored my post instead of attacking me…classic case of FAFO…didnt have to be this way, but again, bad choices lead to consequences…

And yeah I beat him down…and I just did the same to you…want a tissue?

 

[WildKatFan01]

Interesting: You think you are giving me a "beat down" calling me a junkie. LOL...The question is....would you like to continue displaying the celebration of your ignorance?

I’m done educating you for today. So you go ahead, get your Rex jersey on, put in your VHS video tape of Rex’s highlights, pop a pill for your homey, and drift off into your euphoric bliss for a man who would steal your ipad so he can go buy him some more oxy and smile in your face with that big front tooth gap glaring into your dreamy eyes.

Creepy.