MoxieTalk with Kirt Jacobs #443: Reed Sheppard

Reed Sheppard, born on June 24, 2004, in London, Kentucky, is an American professional basketball player currently serving as a guard for the Houston Rockets in the National Basketball Association (NBA). He is the son of Jeff Sheppard, the Most Outstanding Player of the 1998 NCAA Tournament, and Stacey Reed Sheppard, both of whom played basketball at the University of Kentucky. High School Career: He attended North Laurel High School in London, Kentucky, where he distinguished himself as a top basketball prospect. Collegiate Career: Played for the University of Kentucky Wildcats during the 2023–24 season. Averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds, and 2.5 steals per game. Accolades: National Freshman of the Year by the National Association of Basketball Coaches. SEC Freshman of the Year by the league's coaches. All-SEC Second Team honors: Notably, he was the only player in the country to record at least 145 assists, 80 steals, and 75 three-pointers during the season. Declared for the 2024 NBA Draft and was selected as the third overall pick by the Houston Rockets. He excelled in the NBA Summer League, averaging 20.0 points, 5.3 assists, 4.8 rebounds, 2.8 steals, and 1.3 blocks per game, which earned him a spot on the NBA 2K25 All-Summer League First Team. NBA As of December 2024, Sheppard is considered a leading candidate for the NBA Rookie of the Year award, reflecting his seamless transition to professional basketball. A SEA OF BLUE Personal Life: Sheppard's basketball lineage includes his father, Jeff, a two-time national champion with Kentucky, and his mother, Stacey, who also played for the Wildcats. He has been in a long-term relationship with Brailey Dizney, whom he met during high school. Reed Sheppard's ascent from a high school standout to a pivotal player for the Houston Rockets underscores his exceptional talent and dedication to the sport. His early success in the NBA suggests a promising and impactful career ahead.