Indiana’s recruiting targets in the class of 2023 are starting to take shape, and one of the more intriguing prospects hails from just south of the Hoosier state.
Although coaches cannot initiate contact with class of 2023 prospects until June 15, Indiana’s staff has made it clear that they have strong interest in North Laurel, Ky. shooting guard Reed Sheppard.
Sheppard put up impressive numbers during his sophomore campaign at North Laurel High School, scoring 30.1 points per game, tied for first in the state. He also led the Jaguars in assists with 7.1 per game, and shot 55.8% from the field and 40.9% from three.
Playing up a year with the Adidas sponsored Midwest Basketball Club out of Ohio, and Sheppard doesn’t appear out of place competing against players a year older. The 6-foot-2 Sheppard is already a popular target in the class because he has no holes in his game. He can shoot it and has a strong handle, he’s a good athlete, has great vision, and he has a high basketball IQ.
Sheppard confirmed Indiana’s interest with The Daily Hoosier, and said he believes IU has found a new head coach that will be attractive to young players.
“I think it is a really good thing,” Sheppard told The Daily Hoosier of Indiana’s hiring of former NBA coach Mike Woodson. “He knows what it takes to get players to the league, and to have a successful coaching career like he has had, I think it’s big for Indiana. Especially for player development, he knows how to get players bigger, stronger and more ready for the league.”
Look for Indiana to be one of the schools that contacts Sheppard on or soon after June 15 and continues to gauge his interest. The wildcard in his recruitment will be Kentucky. Both of his parents played for the school, and while Sheppard told The Daily Hoosier that Kentucky is “just like any other school showing interest,” that is something that will be put to the test if the Wildcats offer a scholarship.
The early 247Sports rankings slot Sheppard in at No. 65 overall nationally, and the No. 12 combo guard. He already has high major offers from Iowa and Texas A&M, and that is a list that should grow substantially by the end of the summer.
Here is a quick highlight reel from this spring:
For more class of 2022 and 2023 IU basketball recruiting prospects, GO HERE.
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