Shalen Shepherd caught just about everyone’s attention in the gym with his versatility at the Prep Hoops Bash in the Desert. His height automatically makes him noticeable, but I was also impressed with how efficient he was with his movements and how quick he could be at times. He made a big impact in the paint on both ends of the floor, and I liked how he elevated for dunks whenever the opportunity presented itself. He also utilized that vertical to block shots and be disruptive defensively. Considering his next-level tools and physical attributes, his ceiling appears to be incredibly high.

Skilled forward that consistently stretched the floor from three while showing a polished interior presence in the post. Operated with good patience and footwork on the block, utilizing spins and counters to create clean scoring angles around the basket. Finished plays well above the rim and played with strong touch around traffic. Showed the ability to impact the game both inside and along the perimeter, operating comfortably with his back to the basket while still bringing mobility offensively. Also did a good job keeping the ball high in the paint, minimizing strip opportunities and staying strong through contact.

Sheppard checks a lot of boxes from the power forward position with his elite rebounding, soft hands, interior scoring and high feel for the game. Sheppard is a prospect who projects very highly at the college level due to these skills and is a prospect who if he grows another 3 or so inches would likely fly up NBA draft projections when the time comes. Sheppard can also generate offense for himself with offensive rebounding and he’s either going to score on the putback, get fouled and head to the foul line or hit the open teammate for a high percentage shot. It’s hard to find young bigs who are physical and process the game well and Sheppard does both of those things at a high level.

One of the more consistent players who have impacted the game each day, Sheppard has a high understanding of the game for a young forward. With soft hands, good touch around the rim and a knack for being in the right place at the right time for offensive rebounds and catching passes, Sheppard produces on the offensive end. As a play finisher off the pick and roll or sitting in the dunker spot, Sheppard has done a nice job of being efficient despite going up against taller and longer rim protectors all weekend. Another skill that has really shined is Sheppard’s passing ability out of the post, a prospect you don’t want to double because he will find the open man. Another top ranked 2028 prospect showing out this weekend, Sheppard has impressed me both days.

The 6-foot-7 forward is as skilled as they come and uses his dribble, pass, shoot and create skill-set to impact the game in a variety of ways on the offensive end. Sheppard has shown the ball skills, vision and basketball IQ to push the break offensively and even create for himself and others out of ball screen action. From a scoring standpoint, Sheppard is a budding “three-level” guy who, right now, is best using his big body and touch around the rim to finish high percentage looks but has shown perimeter touch.

Sheppard had a nice season for Oakland Soldiers, finishing third in EYBL’s efficiency ratings for the 15 U age group. Sheppard had three double-doubles in the regular season but finished peach jam with four in five games. Sheppard also averaged over two defensive stocks per game at Peach Jam. California usually boasts some of the best players in the country and Sheppard has separated himself early from other west coast prospects in the 2028 class.