Jeff Sheppard talks about former teammate, new UK head basketball coach

LEXINGTON, Ky. (WYMT) - WKYT spoke to Jeff Sheppard following the official announcement of Mark Pope’s hiring at Kentucky.

The two won a national championship together in 1996 under Rick Pitino.

“You’re going to have to almost pinch yourself with his level of positivity, his energy, and his passion,” Sheppard said.

“Kentucky is getting ready to re-fall in love with Mark Pope,” he said.

Sheppard went on to win another title in 1998.

Sheppard’s son, Reed, just finished his first season at Kentucky, and the family have been in talks with Pope, per WKYT’s Lyndsey Gough.

“How many players can look at the guys that they are coaching and say ‘I know what your going through?’ He can,” Sheppard said.

Pope will have an introductory press conference on Sunday.

The event will begin at 4:30 p.m. inside of Rupp Arena.

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