Winston Shepard, Senior, San Diego State, Forward, 6’8, 210
(2014-15, 26.5 mpg) 11.1 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 1.9 apg, 0.6 spg, 2.4 tpg
40.7 FG%, 67.1 FT%, 29.8 3FG%, 48.2 TS%, 43.2 eFG%
28.8 USG%, 7.9 OREB%, 16.2 DREB%, 12.0 TRB%, 17.3 AST%, 1.5 STL%
DOB: 9/22/1993 (22) Hometown: Houston, Texas
2015 Second Team All-Mountain West
The Watch List is not meant to replace full scouting reports and is only meant as a guide for who and what to watch for this upcoming season
Though improvement hasn’t been great over the past three seasons, Shepard has shown some, especially in key areas, but like the Aztecs’ team in general, shooting can still be a major problem. At 6’8, Shepard has decent ballhandling ability, but very good vision and passing ability, allowing Steve Fisher to play him as more of a “point” forward when in the game. He uses both hands well, and shows some patience while plays develop. His size allows him to see over the defense, doesn’t try to force many bad passes, and even shows some aptitude with post-entry passes. His scoring ability still needs a lot of work, though there are some bright spots. Shepard’s perimeter shooting, especially his form, has improved over the past three seasons, though he has yet to find the consistency to be reliable knocking down jumpers. Even open jumpers can be an adventure, and a lot of it has to do with his feet and balance as gets into his shooting motion, all leading to his upper body overcompensating to get the shot off. Still, he more than doubled his career total from behind the arc, as a junior, and 30 percent was also a career high. Though a decent ballhandler, Shepard has trouble consistently attacking the basket, in either direction, showing just an average first step and lack of a reliable jumper to draw defenders out to him. He has shown some ability as a post-up option on the low block, with decent footwork and using his size to draw good match-ups. Shepard runs the floor well and has the ability to push the ball in transition or run one of the wings, looking for a chance to get to the rim, where he finishes well, though as in the halfcourt, he can have some issues finishing around the rim against longer defenders, lacking the strength to score through contact, though he does a great job drawing fouls. Shepard’s free throw rate of over 46 is very good considering how many jumpers he attempts. Defensively, Shepard has improved each of this 3 seasons, showing very good positioning on and off the ball, and having the length and athleticism to guard multiple positions, allowing the Aztecs to switch on the perimeter if needed. Shepard shows good footwork, both speed and lateral movement, when defending and his length can be disruptive on the perimeter, denying passing lanes or challenging shots. Shepard can be a good rebounder on both ends of the floor, though his defensive rebounding numbers should improve with some added strength.
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What he needs to show this season: There were high expectations for Shepard when he got to San Diego State, and though he has shown improvement, he hasn’t quite become the star many envisioned. His lack of any type of consistent scoring ability is concerning, especially since he has trouble scoring at all three levels on the floor. The jumper is the main area where he needs to show improvement, becoming reliable enough to knock down open shots. As mentioned, he has improved, and his form is much better than it was a few years ago, and at times, he actually shows a very good shot, but he has to get the repetitions in to make that good form a regular occurrence. Taking his ballhandling and slashing ability should also help him become a more reliable scoring option, though the Aztecs’ offense is never a pretty sight, and the opportunities may not be great for him to improve tremendously. Shepard can get a little loose with the ball when trying to make a play and cutting down on turnovers should be a priority for him.
Where he fits at the next level: In some ways, Shepard is a unique college player, having the vision and passing ability to be a playmaker at the forward spot, with the size and defensive ability to provide a coach versatility on that end of the floor. His problem is not being able to be a consistent scoring threat, and with his best chance of making the NBA being as a “3 & D” player, Shepard really needs to become a better perimeter shooter. As was the case 3 years ago, Shepard has a lot of tools to be a very good player, he just needs to put them altogether to make it to the NBA level.
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