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(Courtesy of ESPN)

With the 26th Overall pick in the 2023 NBA Draft the Indiana Pacers selected Ben Sheppard (GAC Class of 2019). A four-year player at Belmont University, Sheppard averaged 18.8 points, 5.2 rebounds and 2.9 assists per game this past season. He rose up the draft boards after performing well earlier this summer at the NBA Draft Combine in Chicago. Click here to learn more information about Sheppard's collegiate career. 

The Pacers brought Sheppard in for a pre-draft workout where he showcased his prowess on the court and he meshed well with members of the organization. Indiana Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle commented on Sheppard's fit with his team in the video below. 

(Courtesy of the Indiana Pacers)

At Greater Atlanta Christian School, Sheppard scored over 1000 points during his career. During his senior season Sheppard averaged 17.2 points, 5.6 rebounds and 6.1 assists per game. He was named to both the 2018 and 2019 Georgia Class AAA First Team All-State teams. He was also honored with 2018 and 2019 Georgia All-Region Team nominations. Sheppard was named the Most Valuable Player of the 2018 GHSA AAA State Championship game, and he helped lead the Spartans to the 2018 State Title. 

“Ben is the ultimate Pro player. He’s been blessed with the physical attributes, but has always worked relentlessly to understand the game, improve his skills and fundamentals, and always stepped up to every big game challenge. Great family, great man, great player. He’s not even close to what he could possibly do one day in basketball,” said GAC Head Varsity Basketball Coach David Eaton.

Ben Sheppard joins fellow GAC Alum Malcom Brogdon (GAC Class of 2011) in the NBA. Brodgon currently plays for the Boston Celtics, but he was formerly a member of the Pacers organization.