Reed Sheppard drafted third overall by the Houston Rockets

Sheppard is the first Wildcat off the board in the 2024 NBA Draft

BROOKLYN, New York. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – Former Kentucky star point guard Reed Sheppard is the third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets.

A native of London, Kentucky and a North Laurel High School alumnus, he spent a year with the Wildcats before entering the NBA draft.

Sheppard received numerous accolades following his unique year with Kentucky, including being named National Basketball Coaches Association National Freshman of the Year and SEC Freshman of the Year by the coaches of the conference.

During his career with the Wildcat, Sheppard played in 33 games, but only started five times. He averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game. He was the second player in UK history to have 80 or more interceptions in a single season.

The former freshman shot 53.6 percent from the field, a national-best 52.1 percent from 3-point range and 83.1 percent from the free throw line.