LOUISVILLE, Ky. — One of the University of Kentucky's rising stars is already headed to the big leagues.
In a video posted on social media on Thursday, guard Reed Sheppard announced he was headed to the NBA draft.
"[Big Blue Nation], you have been with me since day one, faithful and passionate," he said. "I'm asking you to go with me on this journey. I'm looking forward to taking you with me.
He was named the National Association of Basketball Coaches National Freshman of the Year and the United States Basketball Writers Association Wayman Tisdale National Freshman of the Year.
The freshman averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game and started in five games this past season, according to UK Athletics. He was also the second player in UK history to have 80 or more steals in a single season.
Sheppard shot 52% from three-point range.
"I'll represent you with all the characteristics that make us Kentuckians: passion, humility, perseverance, sacrifice and joy," Sheppard said. "I love you BBN, thank you."
Sheppard is the second Wildcat to enter the draft along with fellow freshman Rob Dillingham, the SEC's top sixth man who declared last week.
Both of his parents played basketball for the Wildcats; his father, Jeff Sheppard, was the MVP of the 1998 Final Four team and won two national championships according to the athletic program's website.
This decision comes four days after the university introduced its new basketball head coach, Mark Pope.
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The Associated Press contributed to this report.
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