Jeff Sheppard Interview

When I first started the blog I promised an interview coming up with Jeff Sheppard, here it is!

What is the best thing about being a UK basketball player, in your mind?

The opportunity to represent so many local fans that are so personally affected by basketball. Through the game of basketball, we have an opportunity to set an example for some many people and affect them positively.

What are your favorite moments while at UK?

The preseason and the time with the team that no one hears about were my favorite times at UK. These were the 2 things that gave our teams the advantage and helped up win and enjoy the championship moments at UK that were some of my favorites as well

You live in London, as do I, how has the community embraced you?

When I first came to London, I was known as Stacey Reed’s husband. Now I’m Madison and Reed’s Daddy. The community has been great and we plan on raising our family here in London.

Your feelings on the hire of Coach Calipari

I’m excited about Coach Cal being at UK. He understands what the program stands for and what it’s all about. He will do great here!

Do you like the fact that under Coach Calipari that former players, such as yourself, will be welcomed back with open arms?

I think it’s important to have as many former players surrounding the program as possible. We played for UK and understand how important it is to the fans and how special it is to be a part of the UK family. It was an honor to meet for the first time and play against Rex Chapman, Kenny Walker, and others when I played my first pick up game at UK.

Your feelings on the team this season and the recruiting class that Coach Calipari has signed so quick.

Coach Cal has an opportunity to get a great start with this team and this recruiting class. They should push each other in practice and in the pre-season and improve by competing for playing time. Hopefully the whole will be bigger than the parts and if so, we’ll have a small chance to start pursuing championships again.

What are your thoughts on one and done type players? Do you like the rule from the NBA that they have to go to school for a year?

Coach Cal has had huge success with the one and done players…I’m behind him 100%.

I'm not sure if you've seen Calipari's press conference where he talks about going to China and strengthening the connection between UK and the Chinese, do you feel that is a good thing and will eventually have an effect on the college basketball world as far as Chinese players?

I think it’s a good idea to recruit the best players in the world. If they are in China then go to China…if they are in Pikeville, then go to Pikeville.

How tough of a desicion do you think Jodie Meek is going through right now trying to decide to stay in the draft or come back to a very talented team to have a shot at a final four?

It’s always tough to make a decision about going pro or staying in college. I didn’t have to make that decision…but some of my teammates did…I personally hope he returns to UK, I think Coach Cal will teach him a few things that will complete him as a player and really help him as a pro.

You've played with some of the UK greats and are one yourself, where would you rank Patrick Patterson?

Patrick Patterson would have fit in great with our teams in the 90’s. He plays extremely hard and appreciates the jersey he wears and what it represents. He is definitely one of the best that we’ve had at UK. If he can lead a team towards a championship this year, we will be remembered as one of the greatest ever.

There ya go folks. We would like to thank Jeff again, it was a great honor to be able to interview one of the greats! We hope to be able to do more interviews like this in the future so keep checking back to see.