It’s a birthday Reed Shepard’s mother, Stacey, will never forget.
On Wednesday, shortly before her son was selected third overall by the Houston Rockets in the 2024 NBA Draft, Stacey, a former member of the Kentucky State women’s basketball team, hosted an intimate birthday party inside Barclays Center.
Shepherd and his loved ones, including his girlfriend, Braley Disney, serenaded Stacey by singing “Happy Birthday” around the table before she blew out the candles on her cupcakes.
Sheppard, who was selected behind France’s Zachary Lisacher and Alex Sarr, called out to Stacey after NBA Commissioner Adam Silver called his name.
“I’m super excited,” the former Wildcats star told ESPN’s Monica McNutt.[It’s] “Today is my mom’s birthday so it’s going to be a great night. It’s already a great night so this is awesome. I’m so grateful.”
Stacey added that the family is “blessed” and “grateful to be here.”
“It’s an incredible day because we have 75 people here celebrating with us, including family and friends,” she said on the ESPN broadcast.
Reed’s father, former University of Kentucky men’s basketball player Jeff Shepherd, also congratulated his son on this big moment.
“I’m just so grateful. I’m so proud of Reed. God has been so blessed by our family. I’m so happy to be here,” he said.
In his lone season at Kentucky, Sheppard averaged 12.5 points, 4.1 rebounds and 4.5 assists per game.
The 6-foot-2 guard was the 2024 SEC Freshman of the Year and Second Team All-SEC selection.
Shepard’s girlfriend ahead of Wednesday’s draft He alluded to the accessories his family wears. An Instagram Story series from Kentucky-based Benqueils Fine Jewelry.
Shepard and Disney Dating It has been going on for more than three years.
