Jeff Sheppard - Heart of a Champion

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Page 1 Heart of a Champion By Jeff Sheppard and Tom Wallace Introduction by Tubby Smith

Page 2 Acknowledgements In writing this book with Jeff Sheppard, many people have greatly assisted my efforts, including Rena Vicini, Brooks Downing, Joyce Baxter, Bill Keightley, Tony Neely, Ed Parsons, Ryan Robinson, Orlando (Tubby) Smith and especially Jeff's parents, Ralph and Kyle Sheppard, and his fiancee, Stacey Reed. Copyright (c) 1998 by Jeff Sheppard and Tom Wallace.. All rights reserved. No part of this work covered by the copyright hereon may be reproduced or used in any form or by any means graphic, electronic, or mechanical, including photographing, recording, taping or in information storage and retrieval systems without the permission of the publisher. Distributed to the Trade By: Andrews McMeel Publishing 4520 Main Street Kansas City, MO 64111 ISBN 1-886110-66-2 Library of Congress Card Catalog No.: 98-72451 1 3 5 7 9 10 8 6 4 2 Printed in the United States of America Cover and Book Design by Chris Kozlowski, Detroit. Published By: Addax Publishing Group 8643 Hauser Drive Suite 235 Lenexa, KS 66215 (913) 438-5333

Page 3 To my mom, Kyle; my dad, Ralph; my sister, Jennifer; my fiancee, Stacey, and my coaches and teammates who have been through both the good and bad times with me on this memorable journey. J.S.

Page 5 Contents Introduction by Tubby Smith 7 Foreword 9 1. "I Told You So" 13 2. Us or Them 20 3. A Rocky Road to the Title 30 4. Living with Fast Eddie 44 5. New Man in Town 54 6. Coach Pitino and Coach Smith 62 7. Roomies 72 8. Wildcat in Waiting 84 9. Redshirt 100 10. "You're Playing Like a Big Sissy" 110 11. Still a Kitten 125 12. Lost in Florence 136 13. Heart of a Champion 144 14. A Glorious Trip 152 Career Stats and Honors 158

Page 7 Introduction After Jeff Sheppard was named the Most Outstanding Player at the 1998 NCAA Final Four, he told reporters that he was more satisfied with the team's national championship. He explained that individual awards always follow team success. But a team cannot be a champion without teamwork, unselfishness and sacrifice. And Jeff Sheppard epitomized those characteristics. He was a joy to coach. He showed up every day, willing to work hard to improve as an individual. For five years, he gave his heart and soul to the Kentucky program. And in his last two years "on" the court, the Wildcats were crowned national champions. I've coached basketball for more than 25 years at all different levels, and I've come across many individuals who strive to be a champion. Some excel in shooting, some excel on defense, and others are great rebounders. But Jeff Sheppard was the most complete athlete I've ever coached. He possessed so much natural ability-he could run, jump, score and play defense. He is a very special person with very special talents. And he, better than anyone else, understood the word sacrifice. Jeff had the skills to play college basketball anywhere in the country. He chose Kentucky because he had grown up in Georgia a fan of the Wildcats. At UK, he performed in the role that he was asked to play, whether it was starting as a sophomore or playing a reserve role as a junior. The following year, he made the ultimate sacrifice by agreeing to sit out the season. Others played while Jeff watched from the bench.

Page 8 Then, to come back from that redshirt year, after his team nearly won back-to-back national championships, he showed the sparkling character and total unselfishness that became his trademark. Regardless, his contributions to the Wildcats' program cannot be measured in wins and losses. He was a co-captain for our team and displayed impeccable leadership qualities, both on and off the court. He was confident, yet humble. He was determined, yet understanding. Off the court, Jeff excelled in the classroom. He also praised God for his many achievements while sharing his Christian faith at different functions around the state. He would never hesitate to visit the sick and dying at a moment's notice, all without fanfare. He possessed a quiet demeanor, but his actions spoke volumes.

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