Justin Edwards, Stacey Sheppard share hug following Kentucky's win against Tennessee
Kentucky got the win of its season on Saturday, going on the road to Rocky Top and taking down the Tennessee Volunteers. Justin Edwards played a huge role and will now storm into the SEC Tournament as the two-seed, looking to cut down the nets in Nashville.
Edwards finished with 16 points, making six of his 10 shot attempts. Four of those were from the three-point line and he helped Kentucky get off to a blazing start in the first half. While he was happy with the performance, Stacey Sheppard might have been even more excited.
Right as Edwards was about to begin speaking with media members, Sheppard came up and gave him a hug. She then pounded his chest twice before letting out a Ric Flair-esque “Woo!” and letting the Kentucky star conduct his interview.
Struggles have certainly been there this season for Edwards but with it all paying off on the court, Sheppard could not be more excited.
“Just with the season I’m having, she’s been one of the ones that’s really been rooting for me,” Edwards said. “She’s been telling me ‘Just stay the course’ and stuff. So, that’s why she’s so hyped for me.”
Being around Kentucky basketball is nothing new for Sheppard or her family. Reed, her son, also had an incredible afternoon against Tennessee as his NBA Draft stock continues to rise. He finished with 27 points and drained seven three-pointers, multiple of which were in clutch situations in the second half.
Sheppard and her husband, Jeff, played for Kentucky back in the mid-1990s as well and have been supporters of the program for years.
Edwards is originally from the Philadelphia area though, with Lexington being a whole new experience for him and his family. Sheppard has opened her home to Edwards’ younger siblings, allowing them to feel at home.
“They welcomed us with open arms,” Edwards said. “My little brother and sister, they go over to Reed’s mom’s house and stay out there. They treat us like family. That’s why we’re so close.”
Both sets of families will be on the move again next week, with the SEC Tournament taking place in Nashville. If Edwards can shoot as well as he did on Saturday, Kentucky is going to be a tough out for anybody.
Either way, Sheppard is going to be there supporting Edwards along the way. Hopefully, more moments such as this postgame one transpire.