Indiana had a remote eye on North Laurel, Ky. shooting guard Reed Sheppard for a long time, always keeping him on the radar.
After several live viewings this spring and summer, the IU staff was able to move forward with what seemed to be just a matter of a time — and extended Sheppard a scholarship offer.
He announced it on his Twitter page.
Blessed to have received an offer from Indiana University! pic.twitter.com/fCY1brazWt
— reed sheppard (@reed_sheppard) July 10, 2021
Sheppard put up impressive numbers during his sophomore campaign at North Laurel High School, scoring 30.1 points per game, tied for first in the state. He also led the Jaguars in assists with 7.1 per game, and shot 55.8% from the field and 40.9% from three.
Playing up a year with the Adidas sponsored Midwest Basketball Club out of Ohio, Sheppard has started to produce similar scoring outbursts competing against players a year older. The 6-foot-2 Sheppard is already a popular target in the class because he has no holes in his game. He can shoot it and has a strong handle, he’s a good athlete, has great vision, and he has a high basketball IQ. Paired with fellow IU 2023 target Gabe Cupps in the Midwest Basketball Club backcourt, they form an impressive young duo.
In May The Daily Hoosier caught up with Sheppard to get his early thoughts on Indiana’s decision to hire Mike Woodson.
“I think it is a really good thing,” Sheppard said. “He knows what it takes to get players to the league, and to have a successful coaching career like he has had, I think it’s big for Indiana. Especially for player development, he knows how to get players bigger, stronger and more ready for the league.”
Sheppard is the son of former Kentucky sharpshooter Jeff Sheppard, so folks will always believe he is leaning towards Lexington. His mother also played at the school. The younger Sheppard told us Kentucky was “just like any other school showing interest” but John Calipari also pulled the trigger with an offer in the last week.
“We’ll just let it all play out and see where I feel most at home,” he said.
In addition to Kentucky and IU, Ohio State, Texas A&M, Louisville, Iowa, Arizona State and many others have now offered.
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