Benjamin Lee Sheppard Bio
Benjamin Lee Sheppard is an American professional basketball player who serves as a shooting guard for the Indiana Pacers of the National Basketball Association (NBA). The Pacers selected Sheppard with the 26th overall pick in the first round of the 2023 NBA draft. He began his professional career after four standout seasons at the college level, where he developed from a role player into one of the top perimeter scorers in the Missouri Valley Conference.
Early Life and Background
Sheppard was born on July 16, 2001, in Atlanta, Georgia, where he grew up and developed his passion for basketball. He attended Greater Atlanta Christian School in Norcross, Georgia, a private institution known for its athletic programs. During his junior season at Greater Atlanta Christian, Sheppard emerged as a key contributor, averaging 13.7 points per game while helping lead his team to the Class AAA State Championship.
His performance at the high school level established him as a promising college prospect in the Southeast region. The combination of his scoring ability and competitive drive positioned him to continue his basketball career at the NCAA Division I level.
Path to Professional Basketball
Sheppard chose to continue his academic and athletic career at Belmont University, joining the Bruins program in 2019. During his freshman season, he appeared in 32 games while adjusting to the speed and physicality of collegiate competition. He averaged 2.9 points per game in a limited role, gaining valuable experience against higher-level competition.
Going into his sophomore year, Sheppard earned a spot in the starting lineup, which marked a significant step in his development. His increased role resulted in a substantial improvement in his production, as he averaged 10.5 points per game throughout the season. This breakthrough season demonstrated his ability to contribute at the Division I level and foreshadowed his future success.
Benjamin Lee Sheppard Career
College Career (2019–2023)
Sheppard’s junior season represented his emergence as one of the top players in the Ohio Valley Conference. He elevated his scoring average to 16.2 points per game while demonstrating improved consistency and basketball IQ. His outstanding performance earned him recognition on the First-team All-Ohio Valley Conference team, validating his status as one of the premier players in the league.
For his senior season, Belmont transitioned from the Ohio Valley Conference to the Missouri Valley Conference, widely regarded as one of the top mid-major conferences in the country. Sheppard rose to the challenge of facing stiffer competition, increasing his scoring output to 18.8 points per game. His exceptional play throughout the season earned him First-team All-Missouri Valley Conference honors, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and productive perimeter scorer capable of performing at a high level against quality opposition.
Indiana Pacers Breakthrough (2023–Present)
The Indiana Pacers selected Sheppard with the 26th overall pick in the first round of the 2023 NBA draft, recognizing his scoring ability and potential to contribute at the professional level. The selection represented the culmination of his development journey from a freshman role player to an all-conference performer. On July 1, 2023, Sheppard officially signed his rookie contract with the Pacers, joining the organization alongside first-round teammate Jarace Walker.
To begin his professional development, Sheppard was assigned to the Indiana Mad Ants, the Pacers’ G League affiliate, during his rookie season. This assignment allowed him to gain valuable game experience and adjust to the professional game’s speed and physical demands while continuing to refine his skills.
Indiana Pacers Era (2024–Present)
Sheppard worked his way into the Pacers’ rotation during his second professional season. His journey from the G League to consistent NBA minutes demonstrated his dedication to improvement and his ability to adapt to the highest level of basketball. The Pacers valued his shooting ability and basketball fundamentals as they built their roster around a young core of players.
Playing Style and Strengths
Sheppard operates primarily as a shooting guard, leveraging his 6-foot-6 frame to create scoring opportunities. His offensive game centers on his ability to score from mid-range and beyond the three-point arc. His four seasons at Belmont, where he progressively improved his scoring average from 2.9 to 18.8 points per game, showcased his development as a complete offensive player capable of carrying significant offensive responsibility at the collegiate level.
Notable Milestones
Sheppard’s career milestones include winning a Georgia state championship at the high school level, earning back-to-back First-team All-Conference honors in his final two collegiate seasons, and achieving his dream of becoming a first-round NBA draft selection. His progression from a limited role freshman to a first-round draft pick exemplifies his work ethic and commitment to continuous improvement.
Benjamin Lee Sheppard Career Statistics
Sheppard’s statistics reflect his steady improvement throughout his college career, with his scoring average increasing significantly each season. His transition to professional basketball has continued his developmental trajectory as he works to establish himself in the NBA.
College Career Highlights
Sheppard appeared in 121 games across four seasons at Belmont, demonstrating durability and consistency at the collegiate level. His senior season average of 18.8 points per game represented the highest single-season scoring output of his career. His progression from 2.9 points per game as a freshman to 18.8 points per game as a senior illustrates his growth as a basketball player and his ability to elevate his performance when given greater responsibility.
Professional Development
Through his first two professional seasons, Sheppard has split time between the NBA and G League while working to solidify his place in the Pacers’ long-term plans. His experience at both levels has provided him with valuable developmental opportunities and exposed him to the demands of professional basketball at the highest level.
| Season | Team | Games | Points Per Game |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2019–20 | Belmont | 32 | 2.9 |
| 2020–21 | Belmont | Not Available | 10.5 |
| 2021–22 | Belmont | Not Available | 16.2 |
| 2022–23 | Belmont | Not Available | 18.8 |
Benjamin Lee Sheppard Family
Personal Life
Sheppard maintains a presence on social media platforms including X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram, where he shares updates about his basketball career and personal experiences. He completed his college basketball career at Belmont University in 2023, earning his degree while establishing himself as one of the program’s most accomplished players.
2025 Season Performance
Entering the 2024-2025 season, Sheppard continues his development with the Indiana Pacers organization. His experience from the previous season, including time with both the Pacers and the Mad Ants, has prepared him to compete for increased minutes and a more prominent role within the team. The Pacers value his scoring ability and have integrated him into their player development system as they build toward sustained competitiveness.