Tag: Ben Sheppard

Alex Caruso on highlight-reel behind-the-back move on Ben Sheppard

Chicago Bulls guard Alex Caruso spoke about his highlight-reel move against Indiana Pacers rookie Ben Sheppard.

The Chicago Bulls absolutely dominated the Indiana Pacers on Wednesday night, earning a 125-99 victory. They put on a show on the defensive end, becoming the first team this season to hold the Pacers to under 100 points. Alex Caruso was a big part of that, but he also had a fun highlight on the offensive end of the court.

With just over two minutes left in the first quarter of the game, Caruso had Pacers rookie Ben Sheppard on him. He drove right but pulled back, causing Sheppard to fall down by using a nasty behind-the-back move. It drew oohs and ahhs from the crowd, and Caruso sunk the jumper.

After the game, Caruso spoke about the moment. (H/t Cody Westerlund of 670 The Score)

“You always got make that shot … As soon as I shot it, I thought it was going in and I was just in my head like, ‘Go in, go in, go in’,” Caruso said.

Caruso ended the game with 12 points, seven rebounds, seven assists, and two steals while shooting 5-of-10 from the field and 2-of-5 from beyond the three-point arc.

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Pacers’ Tyrese Haliburton explains what he really likes about Ben Sheppard

Haliburton has been impressed by the Pacers’ rookies and even believes one of them has been one of their best players this preseason.

Tyrese Haliburton has been impressed by the Indiana Pacers‘ group of rookies thus far and even believes one of them has been one of their best players during the preseason.

The Pacers drafted Jarace Walker (eighth), Ben Sheppard (26th), Isaiah Wong (55th) and signed Oscar Tshiebwe to a two-way contract in July. They have each appeared in the Pacers’ two preseason games and have contributed in different ways.

Haliburton likes what he has seen from Sheppard in the early going.

I would say Ben Sheppard and Aaron (Nesmith) have probably been our two best players throughout preseason so far. Ben has been really solid. Something I really like about him: He knows who he is and is true to it. He knows what he is capable of and knows his limitations and excels at the stuff he is good at. I really like to see what he is doing. He asks a lot of questions, too.

Sheppard is averaging 13 points, 3.5 rebounds and 3.5 assists on 35.3% shooting from 3-point range this preseason. He has flashed his shooting ability and has also stood out on defense with his activity and effort off the bench.

“I just tried to gain the trust of my teammates and coaches throughout those two games,” Sheppard said. “I kind of did a lot of things that other people don’t want to do: Dive on the floor, get into a stance, play your ass off, play hard and bring energy. I just tried to play an overall game.”

The 6-foot-6 guard left Belmont after four seasons known as a shooter and a great passer who can also defend. It appears as though those are some of his strengths that have stood out to Haliburton and the rest of the team to this point of training camp and preseason.

“Sheppard is a quick study,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said this week. “He learns things quickly. He is doing a good job of defining who he is on this team and he plays to his strengths.”

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NBA 2K24: Ratings revealed for the first round of the 2023 NBA draft

The official player ratings and other features for NBA 2K24 have been unveiled as the popular video game hit stores on Friday.

The official player ratings and other features for NBA 2K24 have been unveiled as the popular video game hit stores on Friday across all platforms around the world.

The latest installment of NBA 2K features three distinct editions, each honoring Kobe Bryant. The game, for the first time, also allows for crossplay, meaning users on different gaming consoles can still play with their friends online.

In addition to many of the new features and updates unveiled in the game, fans are equally as excited to see the initial player ratings. Of course, with a new group of players set to enter the league, many are curious to see how the rookie class would be graded.

The franchise, led by marketing director Ronnie 2K, previously revealed the ratings for several first-rounders this year. With the game officially available for purchase around the world, the grades for each rookie have been unveiled.

Here are the ratings for the first round of the 2023 NBA draft.

Potential first-rounder Ben Sheppard showing competitive spirit in workouts

Sheppard averaged 18.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, 2.9 assists and 1.4 steals last season as a senior at Belmont.

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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2023 NBA Mock Draft 5.0: 58 projections after the early entry withdrawal deadline

Rookie Wire took a look at where the next draft class stands following the early entry withdrawal deadline.

The NBA pre-draft process crossed another important checkpoint on the schedule with the early entry withdrawal deadline coming and going this week.

Prospects had the opportunity to test the waters and meet with teams to gain feedback on their potential draft stock. To maintain their remaining college eligibility, they had to withdraw from consideration by 11:59 p.m. EDT on Wednesday.

The deadline saw several potential second-round picks withdraw from the draft and return to school. With name, image and likeness playing a prevalent role in college basketball, players were likely swayed to stay one more year to work on their games and capitalize financially.

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The 2024 draft is also projected to be weaker than in past years, which also may have played a role in some players opting against turning pro. They likely believe they will have a greater chance of being a first-round pick next year.

With several players off the board, teams can prioritize workouts and interviews with those individuals remaining in the draft. As a result, players’ stock will continue to fluctuate with less than three weeks to go until the draft.

Rookie Wire took a look at where the draft stands following the early entry withdrawal deadline. Team needs were taken into consideration for these picks.

Rumor: Ben Sheppard garnering first-round interest after combine showing

Sheppard is reportedly beginning to garner first-round interest from teams after a strong showing at the combine.

Belmont senior Ben Sheppard is reportedly beginning to garner first-round interest from teams after a strong showing at the NBA draft combine, according to Jonathan Wasserman of Bleacher Report.

Sheppard was among the prospects that competed in the 5-on-5 scrimmages last week in Chicago, Illinois. He produced 10 points and three rebounds in his first game and followed with a 25-point outburst in his second appearance on Thursday.

He emerged as one of the top performers in some other drills.

Sheppard recorded the fastest shuttle run (2.94 seconds) and ranked seventh in the three-quarter sprint (3.17 seconds). The outing in front of teams helped catapult his name up draft boards and the 21-year-old is now considered a potential first-rounder.

The full excerpt from the report:

Nobody seems to be rising more than Belmont’s Ben Sheppard. We’re hearing he’s generating first-round interest after his 25-point game on Thursday, erasing some skepticism about his production in a relatively weaker Missouri Valley Conference.

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 guard 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.

Several top prospects skipped certain testing and scrimmages, but Sheppard emerged as one of the top standouts from the festivities and helped himself in the process.

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Damian Lillard watched Julian Phillips, others at Trail Blazers’ draft workout

Tennessee forward Julian Phillips was among the prospects that worked out with the Trail Blazers on Wednesday.

The Portland Trail Blazers held a pre-draft workout on Wednesday and had a familiar face in attendance to watch the group of six prospects: All-Star Damian Lillard.

The organization hosted D’Moi Hodge (Missouri), Trey Alexander (Creighton), Ben Sheppard (Belmont), Julian Phillips (Tennessee), Jordan Miller (Miami) and Dillon Mitchell (Texas) in the workout, which was its first ahead of the NBA draft on June 22.

Lillard has often popped in for draft workouts over the years. Last year, he was spotted after a session giving tips to AJ Griffin, who eventually went to the Atlanta Hawks with the 16th pick. He has even represented the team at the draft lottery.

The Trail Blazers enter the draft lottery on May 16 slotted fifth after finishing 33-49 this season. They also have the 23rd pick in the first round this year via the New York Knicks and the 43rd overall pick in the second round via the Hawks.

The prospects the Trail Blazers brought in on Wednesday are projected to be potential second-round picks, though, with over one month to go until the draft, those projections figure to change.

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NBA draft combine 2023: A complete tracker of player invitations

Rookie Wire took a look at those prospects that have earned invitations to compete in the NBA draft combine and G League Elite Camp.

The NBA pre-draft process is in full swing as prospects work toward achieving the ultimate goal of hearing their names called by Commissioner Adam Silver on June 22.

Reports are beginning to surface of prospects receiving invitations to compete in the draft combine on May 15-21 in Chicago, Illinois. Each year, teams submit a list of players they would like to see invited, typically those with the highest odds of getting drafted.

The event features 5-on-5 games, strength and agility testing, shooting drills, measurements and other related on-court exercises. Prospects have the opportunity to improve their draft stock in a competitive environment against their peers.

Last year, 76 players were announced as participants in the event.

The G League Elite Camp will take place in Chicago on May 13-14 with players competing in front of NBA and G League scouts, coaches and front-office executives. The top performers will also be invited to perform in the draft combine.

The official list of participants for both events has yet to be unveiled.

Those underclassmen that filed as early entry candidates will also have the chance to interview with teams and gain feedback on their draft positioning. The information will be helpful in forming their decisions on staying in the draft or returning to school before the May 31 deadline.

Rookie Wire took a look at those prospects that have reportedly earned invitations to compete in the combine and G League Elite Camp. The list will be updated as more names emerge.

Last Update: May 14, 11:15 p.m. EDT