Why does everyone assume Reed is gone??

[UKFAN4L]

Realistically it would be almost impossible for a player to bet on games in the modern
age and it not become public knowledge. And you can't just bet any amount on any
bet you want. For instance, say any well known college player went to a bookie, in Vegas or
the black market or online and wanted to bet against themselves...nobody would take
that bet.

And suppose anybody went into any casino and wanted to place a $100,000 bet
on any game other than the superbowl. Unless the person is superrich and has lost
millions to the casino or the casino is exposed with too much money
bet the other way, there is no way the bet is accepted. I made a $500 bet
in Vegas on a horse race 45 years ago and the person at the window had
to get a manager's approval to accept a bet of that size.

The conspiracies of players making big bucks gambling against their team are absurd. It's not like
it was when the Black Sox threw a World Series; those guys were getting paid
less than $10k per year.

Valid points. But if I played college hoop and my player prop for rebounds is +5.5 against a team, I could have 10 buddies bet $1,000 to go under. I could prevent myself from getting 6 rebounds. Times this by all of my prop bets. Times that by number of games. Point shaving would be tough, but player props could be easy.
Again….I didn’t say he’s doing this!

 

[ukfan1622]

Valid points. But if I played college hoop and my player prop for rebounds is +5.5 against a team, I could have 10 buddies bet $1,000 to go under. I could prevent myself from getting 6 rebounds. Times this by all of my prop bets. Times that by number of games. Point shaving would be tough, but player props could be easy.
Again….I didn’t say he’s doing this!

Of course you'd have to have 10 buddies who could all keep their mouths shut about the criminal conspiracy they're taking part in. I know I don't have that.

 

[Kyhoward]

I would say, if Calipari leaves, Reed will likely leave. So, if I have to choose between a 2nd year of Reed or another year of Calipari's coaching, what do I choose? That's a good question. As a lottery pick, it would be tough to turn that down. If the Sheppard family has inside info on a potential new coach and they like that person, it's possible he returns. The NIL money has to help the situation. He's gonna be set for life no matter what he chooses.

What is most likely? I have a feeling Calipari gets one more season. That's not what I want, but I think it will likely happen. If that happens, I wouldn't be surprised if Sheppard returns as part of a package deal, so to speak. The "revenge tour," as Calipari mentioned in the show last night (I didn't listen to it, but I've read a transcript). Cal may use some returnees as some leverage to get another year. I'm just reading between the lines.

For my part, I say just cut Calipari loose and let the chips fall where they may. Get on a coaching search ASAP and get that new coach in place before these players have to make a final decision. Maybe, if it's the right coach, some of them will stay. Otherwise, I have a feeling we will see a complete roster turnover. I'm willing to deal with that at this point, though. Just get ready for that if Cal is fired.

Agree with your post IL Wildcat especially 3rd paragraph. Mitch should do the right thing and quickly, for both the current and incoming player’s sake.

I would guess that he already had a list of 5 or so head coaching candidates and probably has contacted to gauge their interest and conduct a tacit interview if COW is being let go. On the other hand, these extra days may mean that all is well with COW and his return next year has never been an issue.

I want him gone, which means he is guaranteed to come back!

 

[Deli owl]

Well Duncan never went I think he was projected 1 over all since he was a sophomore n never left. Maybe Reed same

Different era all together.

 

[ace on the river]

Honestly, I don;t even think he would be drafted. If he KNOWS FOR SURE a teamis going to take him in the first round he would be a damn fool to stay

 

[L.O.D.]

Different era all together.

Not really kids were going straight from HS and entering after 1 year
Not as bad as now but was happening. Also Duncan was #1 pick twice when he turned it down.

 

[JonathanW]

You're making numbers up. You don't know (and I don't know) what his contributions will be next year regardless of where he plays.

It's possible he goes to the NBA and is a solid player from the jump, and gets 200 million on the 2nd contract.

It's possible he stays in college another year, doesn't get any better, never gets to a 2nd contract in the NBA.

The "life changing" money is the 2nd contract. If it's 80 million, Reed is set. If it's 123 million, Reed is set. The thing that makes the most sense is to start the clock on the 2nd contract.

I hope Reed comes back. I don't think it "makes financial sense" to come back. If he does it, it won't be because he thinks he makes more money in the long run.

Duh!!! I said it was a scenario. Of course the numbers are made up, no one can predict the future with certainty. 🤦🏻‍♂️

Of course what you said about him getting 200M 2nd contract “is possible “. I hope for him it does. But…the odds of that increase the more physically ready he is once he gets there and that 3yr clock starts.

But people saying he must go say it’s because of the money, so I demonstrated how there’s a good chance the money may be greater by waiting 1 year.

And yes it is possible he not improve, and draft value go down (Grayson Allen). But if he were not to get a 2nd contract, then he probably wouldn’t have if he had left 1 year sooner either,

 

[IL Wildcat]

This^^^ is borderline retarded. You can't possibly be that deluded and be a functioning member of society. I have to question whether you can wipe your own a$$. There is zero percent chance he cares more about playing college basketball than ultimately going pro.

Thundercats, why be so angry and insulting? It's unnecessary and offensive. Personal attacks are against the rules, by the way, and I'm one of the guys who enforces those rules. So, that makes your post unwise to boot.

Now, as for your poorly worded argument, I don't think it's completely out of the realm of possibility that someone who grew up idolizing players from a particular university would dream of playing for that school and team. That doesn't mean he isn't also dreaming of ultimately playing in the NBA. Have you never heard of a player who was expected to be drafted but delayed that decision to play an additional year or more at their dream school? It happens pretty often, actually. It doesn't seem to happen very often at UK, but it does happen nearly every year. So, is it really a 0% chance? Apparently, you're wrong. Now, I can't read Reed Sheppard's mind, obviously, but neither can you. I've heard him talk about playing basketball as a kid and pretending to be UK players he had watched playing basketball for the Cats. I've heard him say playing for UK was his dream growing up. So, again I say, you're wrong.

And here is the final word, the nail in your coffin... just because I say it's possible playing at UK was a greater dream for him doesn't mean he doesn't also dream of playing in the NBA. Those 2 dreams are not mutually exclusive. To play another season at UK doesn't mean he's giving up on the NBA. It just means he's delaying that for another season because, perhaps his dream hasn't been completely fulfilled as yet. And as for money, he's gonna be set for life, NBA or not. He may be more loved by the state of Kentucky than any other player in recent memory. He could write his own checks, practically. In fact, if he never plays another minute at any level, he's set for life in Kentucky. Period.

Now, having said all of that, I also said, if you read my comments, that turning down the NBA lottery is no easy decision. I would not blame him for taking it and running. But I don't think money is necessarily the main thing in play here- as I say, he's set. Money is not gonna be a problem for him. But once he signs on the dotted line, playing at UK is done. That is what is fleeting here. If what I've heard from his own mouth is true and UK has always been his dream, and winning a title for UK has always been his dream, then returning could be exactly what he will do. I guess we'll see.

Aren't you glad I overcame my "retardation," "delusion," inability to "function in society," and inability to "wipe my own" hindparts long enough to give a thoughtful response to your thoughtless and insulting nonsense? Now, let me go back to drooling and moaning. 🤣

 

[KyCPA]

He may be the only shooter on the team next year that plays big minutes, so if I am an opposing coach guess what I am going to do. As high as he is projected right now, the situation next year could only knock him down.

 

[Kyhoward]

I'm of the mind to use the extra season to find the right replacement. I'm afraid a shortened time frame could result in rash decisions and just settling for a coach.

If I am an athletic director at any school, I would have a list of potential replacements for the head coaches in all sports at the ready. You look at it 2 times a year making additions/subtractions as needed. For basketball, Mitch should have had this list for the past 5 years or so.

COW and I are 65 years old - I have been retired 5 years and didn’t make money over my work career approaching his annual salary. At this age, you slow down physically and mentally. The idea of begging 18-22 year olds to come play for UK would be nauseating to me and CCC has done this for 40 years!

So why would not Mitch have a list? I think he does but, of course, would not divulge it if asked. A coach could have a serious debilitating disease, be incapacitated, in a car wreck, or even die. If that happened to any of the coaches in any sport at UK, I guess you would have to name an interim because of a lack of planning which is part of your job. “Needing an extra year to find the right replacement” does not make sense to me. I understand that basketball and football are the revenue sports and are important for funding of the other sports.

This time next year, when we are in either a no better or worse situation and decide to axe COW, I assume the clouds will part and the home run hire will miraculously appear all because we waited that “extra season!” A corporation that is paying $9 million a year for a CEO would not need 5 years of subpar performance before canning him/her. Neither would any other university with a Division 1 football and basketball program. I guess we are the “gold standard

 

[Deli owl]

Not really kids were going straight from HS and entering after 1 year
Not as bad as now but was happening. Also Duncan was #1 pick twice when he turned it down.

I don’t remember any one and done players back then. Usually juniors with occasional soph. You had the outliers throughout history with Moses Malone and Shawn kemp but most stayed a while.

 

[L.O.D.]

I don’t remember any one and done players back then. Usually juniors with occasional soph. You had the outliers throughout history with Moses Malone and Shawn kemp but most stayed a while.

Was a few also right from HS. Not as many freshman tho. Still Duncan was literally #1 after his sophmore year and turned down entering twice . Noone does what he did but if anyone would it would be Reed.

 

[IH8BlueDevilsandUNcheat]

if Reed goes, I really don't have any interest in next season...

 

[Deli owl]

Was a few also right from HS. Not as many freshman tho. Still Duncan was literally #1 after his sophmore year and turned down entering twice . Noone does what he did but if anyone would it would be Reed.

I just think he can't go any higher. Can only hurt his draft stock.

 

[ThunderCat98]

Thundercats, why be so angry and insulting? It's unnecessary and offensive. Personal attacks are against the rules, by the way, and I'm one of the guys who enforces those rules. So, that makes your post unwise to boot.

Now, as for your poorly worded argument, I don't think it's completely out of the realm of possibility that someone who grew up idolizing players from a particular university would dream of playing for that school and team. That doesn't mean he isn't also dreaming of ultimately playing in the NBA. Have you never heard of a player who was expected to be drafted but delayed that decision to play an additional year or more at their dream school? It happens pretty often, actually. It doesn't seem to happen very often at UK, but it does happen nearly every year. So, is it really a 0% chance? Apparently, you're wrong. Now, I can't read Reed Sheppard's mind, obviously, but neither can you. I've heard him talk about playing basketball as a kid and pretending to be UK players he had watched playing basketball for the Cats. I've heard him say playing for UK was his dream growing up. So, again I say, you're wrong.

And here is the final word, the nail in your coffin... just because I say it's possible playing at UK was a greater dream for him doesn't mean he doesn't also dream of playing in the NBA. Those 2 dreams are not mutually exclusive. To play another season at UK doesn't mean he's giving up on the NBA. It just means he's delaying that for another season because, perhaps his dream hasn't been completely fulfilled as yet. And as for money, he's gonna be set for life, NBA or not. He may be more loved by the state of Kentucky than any other player in recent memory. He could write his own checks, practically. In fact, if he never plays another minute at any level, he's set for life in Kentucky. Period.

Now, having said all of that, I also said, if you read my comments, that turning down the NBA lottery is no easy decision. I would not blame him for taking it and running. But I don't think money is necessarily the main thing in play here- as I say, he's set. Money is not gonna be a problem for him. But once he signs on the dotted line, playing at UK is done. That is what is fleeting here. If what I've heard from his own mouth is true and UK has always been his dream, and winning a title for UK has always been his dream, then returning could be exactly what he will do. I guess we'll see.

Aren't you glad I overcame my "retardation," "delusion," inability to "function in society," and inability to "wipe my own" hindparts long enough to give a thoughtful response to your thoughtless and insulting nonsense? Now, let me go back to drooling and moaning. 🤣

Look. No one is saying Reed doesn't love Kentucky. No one is even saying he's not coming back - although I think it's unlikely. But to say it's a bigger dream or more important for him to play at Kentucky than in the league is absurd. The ultimate goal of any kid with that much talent is to play at the highest level - the NBA. I hope he comes back next year, but even if he does, that doesn't mean his ultimate dream is to play college ball. That's ridiculous.

 

[IL Wildcat]

Look. No one is saying Reed doesn't love Kentucky. No one is even saying he's not coming back - although I think it's unlikely. But to say it's a bigger dream or more important for him to play at Kentucky than in the league is absurd. The ultimate goal of any kid with that much talent is to play at the highest level - the NBA. I hope he comes back next year, but even if he does, that doesn't mean his ultimate dream is to play college ball. That's ridiculous.

We can just agree to disagree ThunderCat, and thanks for a more gracious reply. I really do appreciate that. I'm referring to comments I've heard from Reed himself. He talks about pretending to be Kentucky players as a kid and for playing basketball at UK. He doesn't talk about pretending to be NBA players. So, his childhood dream (at least the ones I've heard and read about) was about playing for UK. I can see that with him being a Kentucky kid and the son of 2 Kentucky players- he's not the normal player in that regard. I can also see that he may feel like he has unfinished business at UK and that the NBA can wait. And since we have NIL money and the state of Kentucky will take care of him regardless, I don't think it's far fetched to say he could return.

Now, if you want to know what I would say to my own child in this situation, I'd tell him to follow his heart. Don't let money control the final decision, let your heart lead you. Now, here is where our discussion becomes most relevant... if his heart is at UK, he will stay. If his heart is in the NBA and he's a guaranteed lottery pick, he should go. I could be wrong on where his heart is on this right now. I will say, knowing Calipari will be back should help, since he's made known that they have a good relationship. I guess we'll see.

I'm sure we can both agree on this- we'd love to have him back for another season.

 

[JudgeSmells24]

I understand his draft projections. I understand our history of losing kids after a year is par for the course

However with all that said, Reed grew up in Kentucky as a UK fan. All these other 1 and dones are from outta state

I believe he will easily make a few million her next year. Couple that with him needing to improve in a few areas, I think he comes back.

I honestly think we get a lot of this team back.

It's gonna suck because the coach isn't gonna change. I do firmly believe Reed has unfinished business with UK basketball. He stays IMO. What's say you BBN??

Reed can do nothing but hurt his draft status by staying if he is a top 10 pick

 

[fatguy87]

If Reed were to return, a competent coach could cobble together a top 10 team.

 

[know1]

If Reed were to return, a competent coach could cobble together a top 10 team.

A competent coach can cobble together a top 10 team without Reed.

 

[JonathanW]

Reed can do nothing but hurt his draft status by staying if he is a top 10 pick

Reed's objective should not be to get drafted as highly as possible, it should be to maximize his professional playing career (& earnings).
And I do have concerns that he physically isn't ready to play vs grown-ass men who are all stronger and mostly quicker than him. He can certainly get stronger with another year at UK, and could get quicker too.
If he goes and isn't physically ready (skillwise I think he is ready) then when his first contract ends he may still be starting to ascend due to not playing much as a rookie, and thus not get nearly as big of a 2nd contract as if he waited one more year (& was further along in that ascention when time for 2nd contract).

And while NIL can't replace an NBA salary, for a college kid, NIL can make it much more tolerable to wait one more year.
Also, money isn't everything. I'm sure there are also non-financial factors in his decision. It's very possible Reed (& his parents) value (more than many on this board) Reed having one more year of "the college experience", of getting closer to getting a degree, and to not rushing having to "adult" on his own in a much larger city/place than he's ever lived before.

So I'm not saying Reed returns. But I'm also far from convinced he will or should leave. There are even financial reasons why it might make more sense for him to return. But none of us should fault him for whatever he decideds (unless it is to follow Cal to Ark, lol).

 

[wkycatfan]

Reed will succeed at whatever he does in life. It's about priorities at this point.

 

[JudgeSmells24]

Doesn’t matter, we got perry coming in