Dick Vitale meets with the Sheppards in Lexington

It’s an awesome week to be in Lexington, baby! Keep your head on a swivel around town — you just might see one of the most iconic faces in basketball history.

Dick Vitale is in the 859 hanging out with none other than Reed Sheppard and his family for the Sheppard Family Foundation luncheon on Thursday. He was greeted by Reed’s sister, Madison, at the hotel upon his arrival on Wednesday.

The legendary broadcaster and former coach documented the early parts of his trip while also sharing his excitement for year two of Kentucky basketball under Mark Pope.

“Loved seeing all the beautiful horse farms on the ride to the hotel in Lexington Ky – also (people) I have met,” Vitale wrote on Twitter. “Can’t wait to see (Mark Pope’s Kentucky) 2025 team. BBN fans are so so passionate about KENTUCKY basketball. I was met at hotel by Madison Sheppard!”

Loved seeing all the beautiful horse farms on the ride to the hotel in Lexington Ky – also ppl I have met can’t wait to see the @CoachMarkPope @KentuckyMBB 2025 team . BBN fans are so so passionate about KENTUCKY basketball . I was met at hotel by Madison Sheppard !

— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) August 6, 2025

In a separate Instagram post, he dug deeper into his expectations for the Wildcats in 2025-26, saying Big Blue Nation should be excited for the “outstanding” and “deep, talented team” coming to Rupp Arena this season.

“Just greeted at hotel in Lexington by Jeff and (Stacey’s) daughter Madison,” Vitale wrote. “She is preparing the ballroom for the Sheppard Family Foundation luncheon. Looking forward to meeting (Kentucky) fans — wow they are going to have a typical outstanding team. (Mark Pope) has a deep talented team that will have RUPP ARENA jumping with joy with BBN fans.”

After meeting up with Madison to get his trip rolling, he then met with the rest of the Sheppard crew — including Reed and Stacey. Seeing the former Kentucky superstar in person coming off his rookie season with the Rockets, Vitale predicted a breakthrough campaign for No. 15 in Houston.

“Yes REED SHEPPARD will have a big 2nd year with (the Houston Rockets),” he said. “Will see him at the Sheppard Family Foundation luncheon Thursday in Lexington. His mom (Stacey) and dad Jeff (are) ex (Kentucky men’s and women’s basketball) legends.”

Returning to Lexington was also about meeting up with old friends, Vitale joined by UK Hall of Famer and sports marketing pioneer Jim Host and Bluegrass Business Media CEO John Kelly at dinner Wednesday evening. They shared hours of stories at the iconic Merrick Inn.

“We had a fantastic dinner at the Merrick Inn in Lexington Ky with one of the most powerful men in college sports in Jim Host & (businessman) John Kelly plus their beautiful wives,” Vitale wrote on social media. “(Thursday) will be part of the Sheppard Family Foundation!”

“Had dinner with the super legend of NCAA sports JIM HOST & his wife Pat plus John Kelly CEO of Blue Grass Media & his wife Karen,” he said in a separate Instagram post. “Stories were rolling for 3 hours at the Merrick Inn in Lexington, Ky. It was #awesomebaby.”

Live it up while you’re in Lexington, Dickie V. Maybe find a Diaper Dandy or two at the Joe Craft Center if you check out practice on Thursday.