Reed Sheppard surprised many by recording a 42-inch vertical at the NBA Draft Combine, becoming the top prospect in this area. Despite his own surprise, he attributes his feat to a training technique. The former Kentucky Wildcat found humor in the unexpected result, with funny memes circulating after the news.

By the Numbers
  • Sheppard recorded a 42-inch vertical at the NBA Draft Combine.
  • Sheppard is considered the best shooter in the draft with impressive shooting percentages (56% FG%, 52% 3P%, 83% FT%).
  • ESPN's draft models rank Sheppard as the number one prospect based on analytics.
Yes, But

Although Sheppard is highly rated, some mocks predict other players like Alexandre Sarr and Nikola Topic as potential top picks.

State of Play
  • Sheppard's performance has garnered attention from several NBA teams with analytically inclined front offices, notably the Houston Rockets.
  • Experts suggest Sheppard is likely not to slip past the fifth overall pick in the draft.
What's Next

Sheppard's unexpected performance at the draft combine may propel him even higher in the draft rankings, potentially securing a top spot in the upcoming selections.

Bottom Line

Reed Sheppard's exceptional vertical leap and shooting prowess have positioned him as a standout prospect, attracting significant interest from NBA teams, particularly those valuing analytics. His performance hints at a bright future in professional basketball, with a possible high draft selection awaiting him.