Reed Sheppard drafted third overall to the Houston Rockets

Sheppard is the first Wildcat off of the board in the 2024 NBA Draft

BROOKLYN, NY. (ABC 36 NEWS NOW) – Former Kentucky star point guard Reed Sheppard is the third overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Houston Rockets.

The London, Kentucky native and North Laurel High School alumnus spent one year with the Wildcats before declaring for the NBA Draft.

Sheppard earned many accolades after his one-and-done year with Kentucky including the National Association of Basketball Coaches National Freshman of the Year and SEC Freshman of the Year by the conference’s coaches.

In his time as a Wildcat, Sheppard saw action on the court in all 33 games, but only started five. He averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 assists, 4.1 rebounds and 2.5 steals per game. He was the second player in UK history to have 80 or more steals in a single season.

The former freshman shot 53.6% from the field, a nation-best 52.1% from 3-point range and 83.1% from the free-throw line.