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John Calipari evaluates DJ Wagner and Reed Sheppard after win over Louisville
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John Calipari has been thoroughly impressed with the play of DJ Wagner and Reed Sheppard so far.
Both were members of the 2023 class, and it sounds like they’re playing up to their potential so far. Wagner was a former 5-star point guard, while Sheppard was rated as a 4-star combo guard. Both average more than 11 points per game.
Kentucky sits at 9-2 after winning its latest game with Louisville 95-76. Calipari couldn’t run out of nice things to say about Wagner and Sheppard at Thursday’s post-game press conference.
Wagner has stood out to Calipari because of the drive to win games. Calipari noted how Kentucky lost one of the games Wagner didn’t play in.
“I think they’ve been terrific. I think they both have a will to win. I think they both have some dog in them,” said Calipari. “I know DJ does. I mean, the game he didn’t play, we lost. That tells you something. He wills you to win. His dad was the same way, and I imagine his grandfather was the same way. It’s in his DNA.”
Sheppard drew a lot of praise from Calipari for the willingness to simply do what is needed.
“Reed, just whatever you ask him to do, he just plays basketball. He doesn’t care who scores, what it is, if I have to get a basket I will. He made a 3 and made two or three free throws. I mean those were big,” said Calipari. “Tre (Mitchell’s) two 3s were big to keep the gap.”
The Wildcats return home to play Illinois State next on Dec. 29. Tipoff will be at 7 p.m. ET on SEC Network.
Grant Bricker was a former freelancer for The News TN in his hometown of Nashville, Tennessee. He now freelances for Saturday Football. Follow on Twitter @GrantBricker.
