Reed Sheppard drafted No. 3 overall by the Houston Rockets

LEXINGTON, KY (LEX18) — Reed Sheppard has been drafted by the Houston Rockets.

After a stellar freshman season with the University of Kentucky, Sheppard was the third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft.

The 6’3″ guard averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 assists and 2.5 steals – all coming off the bench.

Sheppard led the nation with his 52.1% 3-point percentage and ranked sixth with his 69.9% true shooting percentage. Sheppard was a major offensive threat due to his highly ranked shooting percentages and average of 4.5 assists per game, which ranked fourth in the league, but his versatility shines through on the defensive end.

The British player with the most stolen balls in a season is Rajon Rondo (87). The second British player is Reed Sheppard (82).

The highlight game that proved Sheppard’s dominance was a road game at Mississippi State where the Cats trailed after the first half, 35-43.

Sheppard scored a career-high 32 points – 23 after halftime, including 11 in the final minute and 33 seconds. Not to mention he made the game-winning shot at the buzzer. To round out his stats, Sheppard recorded five rebounds, seven assists, two blocks and two steals.

There are many reasons why Sheppard is one of the greatest freshmen Kentucky basketball has seen, but the main reason: He has accumulated numerous accolades, despite not being a starter full time.

To name a few, but not all:

• NABC National Freshman of the Year
• SEC Rookie of the Year
• Second team All-SEC (coaches)
• Second team All-SEC (AP)
• All-SEC Freshman Team (coaches)
• Field of the top 68 freshmen of the year
• College Hoops Today (Rothstein) National Sixth Man of the Year
• ESPN National Freshman of the Year (Borzello)
• SEC Freshman of the Week (x4)

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