[The following scouting report is part of a series on potential 2023 draft prospects from Sports Business Classroom alumni.]

Ben Sheppard
Frame: 6’6″, 190 lbs
Position: Guard
Team: Belmont
2023 Draft Age: 21
Stats via sports-reference.com

Offense

Sheppard could be a major sleeper in this draft with his defensive ability and shooting touch. His game is based on movement and quality shot-making, paired with the prototypical body teams want on the perimeter. For a school like Belmont, which had to wait over 40 years to see a player drafted, Sheppard now may become the second Bruin taken in five years.

He’s improved his scoring, rebounding, and three-point percentage every year. His defensive intensity and development led to recognition as first-team All-Missouri Valley Conference for the last two seasons.

Sheppard averaged 18.8 points, 5.2 rebounds, and 2.9 assists, shooting 47.5 percent from the field and 41.5 percent from deep. His efficiency on the offensive end impressed during the NBA Draft Combine as he shot 8-10 on his first day out.

The fluidity of his movement on the court allows Sheppard to get open looks at the basket and connect at an impressive clip due to his shot preparation and confidence. His high IQ, positive assist-to-turnover ratio, and shooting stroke give him a very good chance of becoming a steady role player at the next level.

While Sheppard’s signature skill may be his three-point shooting, his overall feel for the game and passing ability allow him to project as more than just a catch-and-shoot type of player. He will provide proper spacing offensively for a team, as he needs to be defended as a potential threat. When given an unguarded look from the three-point line in catch-and-shoot situations, Sheppard connected at 49 percent.

Though his assist numbers do not jump off the stat sheet, he usually can be depended upon to make the smart play. Sheppard is by no means a lead guard, but in a pinch can handle and deliver passes to teammates in the flow of the game.

Defense

Sheppard was named to the All-MVC Defensive Team, standing out as one of the conference’s more versatile defenders. He doesn’t possess elite athleticism, but his basketball IQ and quick thinking allow him to remain a net positive on the court defensively.

He will be a serviceable 3-and-D player at the next level, with the potential for more as he fills out his wiry frame. As with most mid-major players, the main question comes from the type of competition Sheppard was defending nightly in the MVC. He could hold his own in a small sample size at the combine, which did not hinder his offensive output.

Sheppard still proved he was one of the top mid-major players in the country this past season and, with his combined invite, showcased his skills on a larger scale against better competition.

Looking Ahead

Coming into the combine, Sheppard may not have been a household name, but he was able to impress with his steady play and efficiency on the court. His underrated passing ability is also something to keep an eye on as his game develops at the next level.

Sheppard played himself into solid footing in the second round of the draft. His combination of size, shooting, defense, and budding playmaking skills is an excellent foundation for a team to bring him in and have him fill that role-player position.

He credits his success in finding open shots on the court to constant motion and movement, with a great cardio regimen. Sheppard may resemble shades of Quentin Grimes with his long-distance accuracy, shot mechanics, and frame. Caleb Martin also comes to mind with his ability to seamlessly integrate himself into his role and impact the game on both ends.

Sheppard’s smile is infectious, and he has a bright future ahead of him after hearing his name called in a few weeks.