Ben Sheppard declares for the NBA Draft

Ben Sheppard’s logo moment. Isaac Wetzel/Belmont Vision

There’s no denying that senior Ben Sheppard has a future playing professional basketball.

The 6-foot-6-inch guard had a very decorated career while suiting up in the navy and blue.

Sheppard earned First Team All-OVC honors in his junior year and First Team All-MVC in 2022-23, consistently establishing himself as a surefire offensive threat.

In his senior year, he averaged 18.8 points and 5.2 rebounds on 42% shooting from behind the arc, while earning MVC All-Defensive Team honors, boosting his opportunities to play beyond the college ranks.

Now, the Atlanta native believes he’s ready to take on the National Basketball Association.

On Wednesday, he declared for the NBA Draft.

"I’m ready to take this next step in my basketball career and declare for the 2023 NBA Draft. I’m excited to get the pre-draft process started and show teams that I am one of the most complete players in this year’s draft class,” Sheppard told ESPN.

For now, Sheppard will look to make the most of his pre-draft process.

He’ll have several opportunities to showcase his abilities in front of NBA representatives ahead of the draft on June 22.

Sheppard was projected as the 60th selection by the Boston Celtics in a mock draft published by Bleacher Report on March 1.

If he were drafted, Sheppard would be the first Bruin drafted since Dylan Windler was selected No. 26 overall by the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2019.

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This article was written by Ty Wellemeyer