Former Belmont guard Ben Sheppard put himself on the radar with a strong showing at the NBA draft combine last month and is looking to keep that momentum going through his remaining workouts.
Sheppard emerged as one of the top standouts at the combine with a 25-point performance in his second scrimmage game. He recorded the fastest shuttle run (2.94 seconds) and ranked seventh in the three-quarter sprint (3.17 seconds).
He has worked out with at least seven teams in the pre-draft process and is considered a potential first-round pick. He is looking to showcase his overall ability and prove that he belongs among his peers.
“I feel like I’ve flown under the radar for most of my life in basketball, honestly,” Sheppard said recently after working out with the Indiana Pacers. “I always have a chip on my shoulder. I’m a hard worker. I’m super competitive, and I try to let that show in my workouts. It is what I’m here for. I believe that I can play with the best of them so I’m just trying to be myself, not do anything out of the ordinary and just play my game.”
Sheppard, who was named to the All-Missouri Valley Conference first team, averaged 18.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals on 41.5% shooting from 3-point range. He ranked third in the conference in points (603) and 16th in the country in 3-point percentage.
The 6-foot-6 Sheppard can do a little bit of everything and dazzled in the open court. He can make every pass and put on a bit of show at the combine with vision and pinpoint accuracy. He also emerged as a tremendous shooter who can knock it down from virtually everywhere.
With the draft taking place in less than two weeks, Sheppard will soon know where he’ll begin his professional career. It took quite a bit of work to reach this point but the journey is only just beginning for Sheppard.
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