Reed Sheppard dazzled in one historic season. Doron Lamb delivered when banners were on the line. The numbers speak, but the legacy debate rages on.
When it comes to Kentucky basketball, few debates ignite passion quite like this one: Who is the greatest three-point shooter in program history? For a school steeped in tradition, decorated in banners, and loaded with legends, narrowing down that title to just one name is no easy task. But two sharpshooters have recently risen to the top of that conversation—Reed Sheppard and Doron Lamb.
Both left unforgettable marks on the Big Blue Nation. Both drained triples with chilling precision. But when it comes to claiming the undisputed crown, only one can stand at the summit.
Let’s break it down.
The Sheppard Shockwave
Reed Sheppard didn’t just impress in his lone season in Lexington—he rewrote the record books.
The Kentucky native and fan-favorite guard turned heads nationally with his lethal shooting stroke, finishing the season at an outrageous 52.1% from three-point range (75-of-144). That’s not just the best in Kentucky history—it’s one of the most efficient shooting seasons in the history of college basketball.
Sheppard made the game look easy. His release was quick, his shot selection sharp, and his confidence never wavered—even under the spotlight of Rupp Arena or during SEC wars. Every time he squared up, fans held their breath. More often than not, the net snapped.
But here’s the catch: Sheppard only played one season.
Despite his legendary accuracy, his three-point volume and career longevity fall short of the standard set by others. His efficiency is historic. But his resume is short.
The Legacy of Doron Lamb
Enter Doron Lamb, the silky-smooth scorer who etched his name into Kentucky folklore with both stats and success.
Playing two full seasons under Coach John Calipari, Lamb knocked down 144 career threes while shooting 47.5% from deep. That percentage still ranks among the best ever at Kentucky—but it was his moments that truly set him apart.
He was a key starter on the 2012 National Championship team, and when the Wildcats needed a bucket, Lamb was often the one who delivered. In the national title game against Kansas, he went 3-of-6 from deep, helping push Kentucky to the pinnacle of college basketball.
In an era where defense was physical and spacing was limited, Lamb was automatic. His mechanics were pristine. His poise under pressure, unmatched. When Kentucky needed the three, Lamb delivered—again and again.
What If Sheppard Stayed?
The “what-if” factor adds a compelling twist to this debate. If Sheppard had returned for a sophomore year under new head coach Mark Pope, many believe he would have exploded even further.
A second season at the same efficiency rate—while increasing his volume—could have pushed Sheppard to 150+ threes, possibly on another 50%+ clip. That would’ve launched him past Lamb in total makes and efficiency, likely ending this debate before it even started.
But instead, Sheppard declared for the 2024 NBA Draft, leaving fans with a spectacular one-year highlight reel—and a million unanswered questions.
Would his efficiency have dipped with more volume? Could he have sustained the same impact under a new system? We’ll never know.
Lamb vs. Sheppard: The Verdict
If the discussion centers strictly on accuracy, the numbers point clearly to Reed Sheppard.
If it’s about volume, longevity, clutch performance, and championship pedigree, then Doron Lamb makes a strong case as the GOAT shooter in Kentucky history.
And let’s not forget the other names in this conversation. Travis Ford, Tony Delk, Cameron Mills, and even Jodie Meeks brought their own brand of firepower from beyond the arc. Kentucky has always been blessed with elite shooters—but few matched the legacy and impact of Lamb and Sheppard.
So who takes the crown?
Maybe it’s Sheppard, the most accurate we’ve ever seen in blue and white.
Maybe it’s Lamb, the most clutch and consistent across multiple seasons.
Maybe, just maybe, it’s still up for debate—which is what makes Kentucky basketball so great.
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