Ben Sheppard (basketball)

Ben Sheppard (born July 16, 2001) is an American professional basketball player for the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Belmont Bruins.

Ben Sheppard
No. 26 – Indiana Pacers
PositionShooting guard
LeagueNBA
Personal information
Born (2001-07-16) July 16, 2001
Atlanta, Georgia, U.S.
Listed height6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)
Listed weight190 lb (86 kg)
Career information
High schoolGreater Atlanta Christian School
(Norcross, Georgia)
CollegeBelmont (2019–2023)
NBA draft2023: 1st round, 26th overall pick
Selected by the Indiana Pacers
Career history
2023–presentIndiana Pacers
Career highlights and awards
  • First-team All-MVC (2023)
  • First-team All-OVC (2022)
Stats  at NBA.com
Stats  at Basketball-Reference.com

Early life and high school

Sheppard grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and attended Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC).[1] He averaged 13.7 points per game during his junior season as GAC won the Class AAA State Championship.[2] Sheppard is the great-grandson of businessman and civic leader, Benjamin Watkins who built the post office in New Bedford, MA. Sheppard is also a cousin of Bobby Watkins who was one of the first Black quarterbacks at Ohio State and was the 23rd selection in the 1955 NFL Draft.

College career

Sheppard played in 32 games averaged 2.9 points during his freshman season at Belmont. He became a starter going into his sophomore year and averages 10.5 points on the year.[3] Sheppard was named first team All-Ohio Valley Conference as a junior after averaging 16.2 points per game.[4] He was named first team All-Missouri Valley Conference, which the Bruins had moved to, as a senior after averaging 18.8 points per game.[5][6]

Professional career

Indiana Pacers (2023–present)

The Indiana Pacers selected Sheppard with the 26th overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft.[7] On July 1, 2023, Sheppard signed his rookie contract with the Pacers alongside the 8th overall pick Jarace Walker.[8]

References
  1. "Greater Atlanta Christian grad Ben Sheppard earns NBA Combine invitation". Gwinnett Daily Post. May 2, 2023. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  2. "GAC's Ben Sheppard commits to Belmont for basketball". GwinnettPrepSports.com. September 15, 2018. Retrieved May 19, 2023.
  3. Secrest, Landen (February 23, 2022). "Ben Sheppard is Belmont basketball's strong and silent superstar". BelmontVision.com. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  4. "Greater Atlanta Christian grad Ben Sheppard shows off game in Belmont's win at Georgia State". Gwinnett Daily Post. November 28, 2022. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  5. Moore, Joe (May 10, 2023). "Trail Blazers Work Out 6 NBA Draft Prospects Today". BlazersEdge.com. SB Nation. Retrieved May 17, 2023.
  6. Peek, Krysten (May 19, 2023). "NBA Draft Combine: 6 standouts who helped their draft stock the most". Yahoo Sports. Retrieved May 19, 2023.
  7. "'He's a multiple-effort guy': Pacers select Ben Sheppard with 26th pick in NBA Draft". Indianapolis Star. June 22, 2023. Retrieved June 23, 2023.
  8. "Pacers Sign Jarace Walker, Ben Sheppard". HoopsRumors. 1 July 2023. Retrieved 1 July 2023.
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