The Indiana Pacers’ 2023 draft pick, Ben Sheppard, may not be a household name yet, but he’s quickly making a case for himself with hustle plays, a reliable jumper, and a cool presence on the court. As fans grow more curious about his story beyond the hardwood, questions about his roots, culture, and beliefs have started to rise.

While Sheppard keeps a low profile off the court, his background still speaks volumes. From a Christian high school standout in Georgia to a first-round pick with a $13 million NBA deal, his journey is both impressive and quietly intriguing. So where is Ben Sheppard really from, and what do we know about the culture and values that shaped him?

Where is Ben Sheppard from? What is his nationality?

Atlanta, Georgia, where the Southern sun burns hot and the hoops culture runs deep. That’s where Ben Sheppard was born and raised, and where his love for basketball took root. Growing up in the heart of Georgia, Sheppard attended Greater Atlanta Christian School (GAC), a program known for grooming high-level athletes with discipline and work ethic. There, he honed his skills and became a star.

Sheppard is of American nationality, and he proudly represents his hometown every time he steps on the hardwood. His roots in Atlanta aren’t just geographical—they’re foundational to his rise. At GAC, he helped lead his team to a Class AAA State Championship, averaging 13.7 points per game as a junior. It was clear even then: this kid wasn’t just playing basketball. He was building something.

From a high school MVP to a first-round pick in the 2023 NBA Draft, Sheppard’s path has always been grounded in his Southern upbringing. Atlanta didn’t just raise him—it shaped him into the player the Pacers saw potential in.

What is Ben Sheppard’s ethnicity and religion?

As Sheppard’s star continues to rise, fans are naturally curious about the man behind the jersey. Yet, Ben Sheppard has not publicly disclosed his ethnicity. In an age where athletes often become symbols of broader cultural identity, Sheppard has chosen to keep this part of his life private.

It’s a quiet contrast to his on-court persona; where he’s expressive, active, and constantly moving. Off the court, he remains humble and reserved. Perhaps it’s by design. His focus, as it’s always been, seems squarely locked in on basketball. Whether he’s flying off screens for a three-pointer or playing tough defense, Sheppard is letting his game speak louder than any personal label ever could.

On the other hand, when it comes to his faith, Ben Sheppard exhibited signs of being spiritual because he attended Greater Atlanta Christian School, which fostered faith within its students. At Greater Atlanta Christian School, faith is a fundamental essential that transcends academic classes. Sheppard has avoided sharing his current religious outlook publicly, yet his early religious surroundings indicate that Christian principles likely contributed to his current self.

Sheppard developed both leadership and scoring abilities under the oversight of head coach David Eaton. GAC taught its students that basketball included more than playbook strategies. For Sheppard, playing basketball became about developing integrity and discipline while creating something greater than individual achievement. Sheppard continues to implement the same mindsets he learned during his time at GAC.

While it remains unclear if Sheppard continues to practice Christianity, the values he learned during his high school years continue to guide him in his present life. The life principles that Sheppard learned to embody in high school, coupled with humility, diligence, and unseen self-assurance, moved from city to city during his athletic career.

Ben Sheppard College Career 

Sheppard’s college basketball career began during his time at Belmont. The Pacers’ star here developed his defensive and scoring foundations. He had already appeared in 32 games in his freshman year. And as a junior, he led his team to the first team All-Ohio Valley Conference honors and recorded 16 points. By his senior year, Belmont transitioned to the Missouri Valley Conference. Sheppard was once again named to the first team, and his stats rose to 18.8 points per game. 

Sheppard was one of the few in Belmont’s history to have more than 600 points in a single season. He was also the runner-up for MVC Player of the Year. This was the performance that led him to his 2023 NBA Draft. Where he his signed the 13.2 million rookie deal with the Indiana Pacers. While he only had limited minutes, and has had alright stats, he has managed to be on the starting lineup twice. Still, the athlete has a long journey ahead.