From Nothing To A Burgeoning Star, In A Year’s Time
It’s been a long time coming, but it has come very quickly for Team Vision’s 6’2 Junior Jordan Shepherd. At this point in time, one year ago, the Asheville Christian point guard was a name well-traveled in local circles. The fans local to Asheville were able to see him average 13 points and 3.5 assists in a promising Sophomore campaign.
Then the summer between his sophomore and junior year happened. His back court mate, Matt Woods, graduated and went down to star at West Oaks School in Orlando, Fl. Shepherd also grew from 2 inches, to top out at a long 6’2”. But probably the most important thing for Shepherd, the game slowed down for him. All the hard work, all the game study, and work out sessions started to click.
Shepherd’s natural attributes are very unique for his position. For starters, Shepherd carries a set of lengthy arms on his 6’2” frame. From the point guard position, Shepherd is very explosive routinely able to put down dunks in traffic and finishing high above the rim in transition. He also carries a set of broad shoulders and slender hips, which lead you to believe that good weight will come once he really starts to concentrate on weights and growth.
Fast forward from his Sophomore campaign of 13 points and 3.5 assists to the start of Shepherd’s Junior campaign. Asheville Christian started off at the Phenom Hoops High School Jamboree. This event featured 24 teams and had around 40 college coaches come through to watch. It was in this setting that the Shepherd’s story really took off.
During this 1-Day preseason event he picked up an offer from Conference USA’s Middle Tennessee State, his first D1 offer. This is also where schools such as Elon, Western Carolina, Appalachian State, and others first saw him (each have since offered). Since this weekend, Shepherd’s production and confidence has been on a steep incline.
He went on to have a gaudy Junior season, averaging 23.4 Points, 5.3 Boards, and 4.5 Assists. He led his team to the Final 4 of the NCISAA 2A State Championships, and was named Conference Player of the Year and to the NCISAA 2A All-State team.
The uniqueness comes in the way Shepherd understands the game. Despite his 38” vertical and 6’8” wing span, Shepherd’s pace of play is what sets him apart. He is great in the pick and roll, as he lets the play develop fully then routinely makes the proper read. He is the type of player that if you watch him 5 different games, you will notice something different each game that sets him apart.
During the Phenom Hoops Challenge and the Grassroots Tip Off Classic, Shepherd had about 15 coaches following him at every game. He brought in head coaches and assistant coaches alike, and had multiple schools track him at every game he has played. Since the Phenom Hoops Challenge took place, in the first April Live Period, Shepherd has picked up offers from Elon, Lipscomb, and Gardner Webb.
A year removed from being the gangly 6’/160 lb Sophomore playing on varsity, Shepherd currently carries seven D1 offers. The explosive 6’2”/175 lb Junior has offers from Middle Tennessee State (CUSA), Appalachia State (ASUN), Elon (CAA), Furman (Southern), Western Carolina (Southern), Lipscomb (ASUN), and Gardner Webb (Big South). Each time a new program sees him, the offer list grows. Get on him soon, or the opportunity will have passed.