Introduction
Ben Sheppard (born July 16, 2001) is an American professional basketball player for the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He played college basketball for the Belmont Bruins.
Early life and high school
Sheppard grew up in Atlanta, Georgia and attended Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC). He averaged 13.7 points per game during his junior season as GAC won the Class AAA State Championship. Sheppard is the great-grandson ofbusinessman and civic leader, Benjamin Watkins who built the post office in New Bedford, MA. Sheppard is also a cousin of Bobby Watkins who was one of the first Black quarterbacks at Ohio State and was the 23rd selection in the 1955 NFL Draft.
College career
Sheppard played in 32 games averaged 2.9 points during his freshman season at Belmont. He became a starter going into his sophomore year and averages 10.5 points on the year. Sheppard was named first team All-Ohio Valley Conference as a junior after averaging 16.2 points per game. He was named first team All-Missouri Valley Conference, which the Bruins had moved to, as a senior after averaging 18.8 points per game.
Professional career
Indiana Pacers (2023–present)
The Indiana Pacers selected Sheppard with the 26th overall pick in the 2023 NBA draft. On July 1, 2023, Sheppard signed his rookie contract with the Pacers alongside the 8th overall pick Jarace Walker.