Now, Reed Sheppard plays for the Houston Rockets. The Rockets selected Sheppard, the son of former UK basketball stars Jeff Sheppard and Stacey Reed Sheppard, and a former Kentucky freshman sensation, with the third overall pick in the 2024 NBA draft. Sheppard was the first of two basketball players from the United Kingdom to be chosen on Wednesday night in the draft lottery: Rob Dillingham, a fellow one-and-done star in the UK backcourt, was selected eighth overall. The former North Laurel High School standout and 2023 McDonald’s All-American played a crucial role in the Wildcats’ victory during his one and only season in Lexington. During the previous season, Sheppard averaged 12.5 points, 4.1 rebounds, 4.5 assists, and 2.5 steals per game. Playing the most minutes per game (28.9) of any non-fifth-year player on the UK roster, he led the team in assists and steals. Sheppard was also a reliable presence; in the 33 games that UK played in the previous season, he and Antonio Reeves were the only two players to do so. Sheppard’s rookie season took an unexpected turn for the better, earning him numerous honors. The USBWA awarded him the national freshman of the year, and the SEC coaches voted him the freshman of the year. Sheppard was selected in the lottery for the NBA draft and will start his career with the Rockets, a team that seems to be on the rise, alongside guard Jalen Green, center Alperen Sengun, and other quality players. In the 2024 NBA draft, Sheppard was also the first college player chosen. Zaccharie Risacher was selected by the Atlanta Hawks with the first overall pick, while Alexandre Sarr—the younger brother of former UK Wildcat Olivier Sarr—was selected by the Washington Wizards with the second overall pick. Sheppard and his parents had a quick interview with ESPN following his third-round selection as part of the network’s draft night coverage. Sheppard and his parents said the following: Concerning Jeff and Stacey Reed’s emotions on draft night: Jeff Sheppard: “I’m really grateful. Thank you very much, Reed has made me proud, and God has been so gracious to our family. We are quite happy to be here. Stacey Reed Sheppard: “I think we’re really fortunate.” With our family, we are grateful to be here and enjoy the day. We get to rejoice with the 75 family members and friends that have come to be here. Thus, it’s an incredible day. Is there any doubt as to what Reed Sheppard will offer the Houston Rockets? Reed Sheppard: “Just a person going in, willing to learn, willing to go above and beyond in order to prevail… Colleague involvement is more important than scoring 3-pointers right away when trying to win and stay on the court. I will take whatever action that improves the team.
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