Belmont’s Ben Sheppard Predicted As First Round Pick In NBA Mock Drafts

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Ben Sheppard. Photo: Courtesy of Belmont Athletics

Belmont’s Ben Sheppard is on the verge of being just the second player in Bruins history to be drafted in the NBA Draft as many mock drafts have him selected late in the first round.

Dylan Windler was the first Belmont star to get drafted when he was selected by the Cleveland Cavaliers with the 26th overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. After a fantastic career at Belmont, Sheppard is poised to follow in Windler’s footsteps as he continues to impress NBA scouts and coaches.

Last season, Sheppard averaged 18.8 points per game (ppg) and 5.2 rebounds per game (rpg). He finished his Belmont career averaging 12.2 ppg, 3.9 rpg and shot 47. 5 percent. Sheppard was runner-up for the Larry Bird Trophy, which is given to the Missouri Valley Conference (MVC) Player of Year.

A mock draft by SB Nation has Sheppard being selected No. 29 overall by the Indiana Pacers, who he worked out with just a few weeks ago.

The Pacers seem to be a popular prediction for where Sheppard may land as Yahoo Sports also has the Atlanta, Georgia native get picked up by Indiana with the No. 26 overall pick. This year, the Pacers have two selections in the first round with the No. 26 and No. 29 overall picks, allowing them the luxury to take two solid players in the first round.

ESPN’s most recent mock draft also has Sheppard as the Pacers’ No. 29 overall selection, seemingly confirming this as the most likely outcome if no crazy draft day trades or antics occur.

NBA Draft.net’s most recent mock draft also has Sheppard going in the first round, but to the Los Angeles Clippers with the No. 30th overall pick.

However, the Athletic’s Top 100 NBA Draft Prospects and Final Rankings  has Sheppard as the 28th best prospect overall, after predicting he will go No. 44 overall in the second in a mock draft from early May. The Athletic complimented Sheppards ‘3 and D’ potential plus his great wingspan. He has a high basketball IQ, and his three years of starting experience at a school like Belmont will only help him impress scouts and coaches.

The 2023 NBA Draft is set for Thursday, June 22 at 7 p.m. CT at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn, New York  and air on ABC and ESPN.

Four Vandy Boys Named All-Region, Commodore Duo Invited To USA Baseball CNT

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Devin Futrell. Photo: Courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics

Vanderbilt baseball’s Enrique Bradfield Jr., Devin Futrell, Nick Maldonado and Hunter Owen have been named to the American Baseball Coaches Association/Rawlings Southeast All-Region Second Team.

Bradfield has earned all-region honors all three seasons in Music City. Vandy’s all-time leading base stealer, the outfielder once again led the SEC in stolen bases in 2023 with 37. He totaled 69 runs scored to lead the Commodores and had the third-most hits on the team. In addition to fueling the Vanderbilt offense, Bradfield was also a defensive stalwart for the Dores, patrolling center field and making countless highlight-reel plays. Bradfield was named to the All-SEC Second Team and the All-Defensive Team. 

Futrell led the Vandy pitching staff with an 8-3 record and a 3.44 ERA. He totaled 72 strikeouts and was named Second Team All-SEC. Futrell was named SEC Pitcher of the Week on April 3 after tossing 8.0 shutout innings against Georgia with seven strikeouts, and also made the College Baseball Foundation Pitcher of the Year Midseason Watch List.  Futrell was also invited to the USA Baseball Collegiate National Team summer training camp along with teammate Carter Holton.

Holton made 11 starts for the Commodores this season and went 4-1 with a 4.11 ERA. The lefty was a unanimous Freshman All-America selection in 2022 as well as a member of the USA Baseball CNT, making two appearances for the squad last summer. The sophomore turned in four quality starts this season, including a season-high 10 strikeouts during a seven-inning outing against Georgia on March 31.

Maldonado anchored the bullpen for the Commodores, recording a team-high eight saves while earning second team All-SEC honors. He held opposing hitters to a .135 average and allowed just five earned runs in 22 appearances for a team-best 1.44 ERA.

Owen finished his junior campaign with a 4-0 record and a 3.52 ERA. He led Vanderbilt in strikeouts with 76, and was named SEC Co-Pitcher of the Week on March 20 after he tossed a 96-pitch, two-hit, complete-game shutout vs. No. 3 Ole Miss with a career-high 11 strikeouts. Owen retired the final 23 batters he faced in win, and turned in three quality starts on the season, including a seven-inning outing at Alabama where he totaled nine strikeouts and gave up just one earned on two hits.

The 2023 USA Baseball CNT schedule features the annual Stars vs. Stripes Intrasquad Series and the return of the International Series with Chinese Taipei and Japan. Currently, 12 of the 14 games will take place in North Carolina, with games at the USA Baseball National Training Complex in Cary, the Durham Bulls Athletic Park in Durham, Atrium Health Ballpark in Kannapolis and Segra Stadium in Fayetteville.

The Stars vs. Stripes series is a product of the Collegiate National Team Training Camp that features 56 of the premier non-draft-eligible collegiate players in the country. USA Baseball will announce a final 26-man roster on June 30 to compete in the 20th USA vs. Chinese Taipei International Friendship Series and the 44th USA vs. Japan Collegiate All-Star Championship Series.

Tennessee Baseball Is Headed Back To College World Series

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Tennessee Baseball celebrating their College World Series-clinching win. Photo: Courtesy of Tennessee Athletics

For the second time in three years, the Tennessee Volunteers are Omaha bound after taking out Southern Mississippi 5-0 in the winner-takes-all game three of the NCAA Hattiesburg Super Regional on Monday night (June 12) at Pete Taylor Park.

It was stellar pitching performances by sophomores Drew Beam and Chase Burns that led the way for the Vols as they posted their ninth shutout of the season, holding the Golden Eagles to seven hits, all of which were singles.

Beam got the start and was able to keep Southern Mississippi’s hitters off balance all night long by utilizing all of his pitches, tossing six scoreless innings with seven strikeouts. Beam ran into trouble in the seventh after allowing back-to-back seeing-eye singles to put runners on the corners with no outs before making way for the bullpen.

Burns pitched the final 2.2 innings to record his second save of the season. The hard-throwing right-hander did not allow a single hit and walked just one batter in his outing.

The trio of Griffin Merritt, Zane Denton and Maui Ahuna provided the offense for Tennessee, combining for three hits, three runs and five RBIs.

Denton provided the biggest hit of the evening, hammering a 2-0 pitch over the wall in right center field for a three-run homer in the bottom of the fifth to give Tennessee a 4-0 lead and some breathing room. The home run was Denton’s 16th of the season and fourth of the NCAA Tournament after hitting three in last weekend’s Clemson Regional.

With the victory, Tennessee won their fourth Super Regional in program history, including their third on the road.

The Vols (43-20) travel to Omaha for their sixth appearance in the Men’s College World Series, where they will open up with a marquee SEC matchup against No. 5 national seed LSU on Saturday night (June 17) at 6 p.m. CT on ESPN.

University of Tennessee, Knoxville is the only SEC program and one of just four in the nation to appear in at least two of the last three College World Series, joining Stanford (2021, 2022, 2023), Texas (2021 & 2022) and Virginia (2021 & 2023).

F&M Bank Arena & Ford Ice Center Clarksville To Host Grand Opening Celebration In July

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Photo: Courtesy of F&M Bank Arena

F&M Bank Arena and Ford Ice Center Clarksville will host a Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, July 15, marking a new era in entertainment and community engagement for Clarksville and Montgomery County.

“The time has officially come to open F&M Bank Arena and Ford Ice Center Clarksville to the Clarksville and Montgomery County community,” says General Manager of F&M Bank Arena Kylie Wilkerson. “This grand opening event marks the culmination of years of hard work and we look forward to providing unforgettable experiences for guests for years to come.”

Located in the heart of Montgomery County, F&M Bank Arena and Ford Ice Center Clarksville promises to be a premier destination for sports and live entertainment, showcasing an array of live performances, Austin Peay Men’s & Women’s Basketball, conferences and more. The opening is set to be an interactive experience for all ages to attend. The celebration starts with a Ribbon Cutting on the 2nd & College St Plaza at 11 a.m. and the festivities will run through the afternoon, concluding at 3 p.m.

“The Grand Opening celebration is set to ignite Clarksville with a whirlwind of festivities, fun and unforgettable moments,” says SS&E Vice President & General Manager Danny Butler. “This event isn’t just about a venue – it’s a highly anticipated celebration that will reverberate throughout our community.”

The Grand Opening serves as an introduction to the energy and possibilities that await at F&M Bank Arena. As the doors open, this event marks the beginning of a new chapter in Clarksville’s entertainment landscape, and F&M Bank Arena is poised to become a premier destination for memorable moments.

“Years of vision, dedication and hard work have led to this special day for Clarksville, Montgomery County,” says Mayor of Montgomery County Wes Golden. “We encourage everybody to come down for the celebration to assist in creating the first of many special memories that are to be made at F&M Bank Arena.”

The Grand Opening Celebration Highlights:

Ribbon Cutting: A ribbon cutting will take place at 11 a.m. to officially open the doors to F&M Bank Arena.

Explore the Arena: Explore all levels of the completed arena, visit partner activations throughout the concourse and pick your seats for the 2023-2024 APSU Basketball Season.

Family-Friendly Activities: F&M Bank Arena welcomes families to join the celebration with a range of activities suitable for all ages. Enjoy a Kids Zone on the arena floor with inflatables, coloring, face paint and more.

Austin Peay Basketball: Shoot around in the Austin Peay Men’s and Women’s basketball practice facility and then head over to the main court to meet the coaches. Try your luck at the Three-Point Shooting Contest and score a pair of tickets to the first Austin Peay basketball game in F&M Bank Arena.

Ford Ice Center Clarksville: There will be a Public Skate presented by Shelby’s Trio at 11:30 a.m. and 2:30 p.m. Guests will have the chance to score free tickets to 3ICE on Aug. 2, the high speed three-on-three hockey league coming to Clarksville. Also, the Little Preds Opening Jam Grand Game at 1:15 p.m.

Concessions: Get a first taste of the food and drink offerings that will be available during events. The menu will include hot chicken, patty melts, smoked chicken nachos, cheesesteak, BBQ mac & cheese, smoked BBQ bologna sandwiches and specialty hot dogs.

Backstage Access: This is your chance to get a peek at the backstage area of F&M Bank Arena where all the stars will be hanging out when they head to Clarksville as well as to get your photo taken next to the backstage marquee and feel like you’re a part of the show.

Lipscomb Athletics Elevates Grace Ann Miller To Associate AD For Student Success

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Lipscomb Athletic Director Philip Hutcheson has announced the expansion of Associate AD for Academics Grace Ann Miller‘s role, changing her title to Associate AD for Student Success.

The role expansion recognizes both the work that Miller is already doing beyond her academic duties and reflects the plans that Lipscomb Athletics has for continued improvements in the way they support their student-athletes.

“Grace Ann has been an outstanding member of our athletics senior leadership team since the day she arrived here,” says Hutcheson. “Her work ethic, leadership skills, willingness to serve where needed and advocacy for our student athletes are all strengths that have been a great asset to our department.”

As Associate AD for Student Success, Miller will continue to oversee everything related to academics within Lipscomb Athletics. In addition, this title change is designed to recognize Miller’s leadership for planned expansion of career services, internships, life skills training, extracurricular educational opportunities, mental wellness, CARE team interactions and nutrition.

“I am aware that the number of changes and the pace of change within the NCAA and our own department has continued to escalate,” says Hutcheson. “There is a need on the NCAA front to respond to the Transformation Committee’s call for additional student-athlete support. There is also a need on the home front for Lipscomb Athletics to respond to an evolving student population and competitive pressures. Grace Ann has already shown herself more than able and willing to lead the charge on behalf of our student-athletes and programs and I believe she will continue to help propel our programs forward as 2023-2024 witnesses us moving into our third decade of NCAA DI competition.”

Vanderbilt Men’s Basketball Picks Up Three Transfers Ahead Of 2023-2024 Season

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Photo: Courtesy of Vanderbilt Athletics

Vanderbilt men’s basketball Head Coach Jerry Stackhouse has announced the addition of transfers Ven-Allen Lubin, Evan Taylor and Tasos Kamateros to the Commodores’ 2023-2024 roster. 

The experienced trio of student-athletes arrive in Nashville with proven Division I production as reigning SEC Coach of the Year Stackhouse enters year five at Vanderbilt. Lubin played one season at Notre Dame and will have three seasons of eligibility with the Commodores, while Taylor from Lehigh University and Kamateros from University of South Dakota both graduated and will be playing their final season of collegiate basketball in 2023-2024.

“We are very encouraged with the additions of Ven, Evan and Tasos via the transfer portal,” says Stackhouse. “They are the right type of transfer additions to continue the growth of our program. We are excited about their proven experience, leadership qualities and the versatile talents they possess. Their abilities complement our current team and returners extremely well. Ven, Evan and Tasos are committed students who embody the characteristics required to be Vanderbilt men. We cannot wait to get on the floor and begin working with them this summer.”

Lubin (6’8″, 225 lbs) put together a productive freshman season at Notre Dame, appearing in 28 games with seven starts for the Fighting Irish in 2022-2023. The Orlando native put up 6.2 points and 4.4 rebounds per game while shooting a team-best 58 percent from the floor ,while leading the team with 23 blocks on the defensive end. In an efficient 17.5 minutes per game, Lubin put up 14.2 points and 1.8 blocks per 40 minutes.

The forward scored in double figured eight times, including six in Atlantic Coast Conference action. His top game last season came on the road at Wake Forest, where he posted 19 points, eight rebounds and three blocks.

A native of Glen Ellyn, Illinois, Taylor (6’6″, 205 lbs) played in 105 games in four seasons for the Mountain Hawks, earning All-Patriot League honors in each of the last two seasons. The wing posted 14.2 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in 2022-23.

In addition to scoring 1,186 career points, he also earned Academic All-Patriot League team honors and won Lehigh University’s John A. Cable Leadership Award—the top department leadership award for a graduating male student-athlete.

A knockdown shooter, Taylor shot 40.8 percent from three-point distance during his career at Lehigh. He shot a career-best 43.0 percent (55-of-128) from three in 2022-2023 after finishing 41.2 percent (54-of-131) the previous season.

He scored 20 points or more six times last season, including a 20-point effort on the road at Syracuse. Taylor starred at Glenbard West High School near Chicago, averaging 21.7 points, 3.8 assists and 10.1 rebounds as a senior. He finished his high school career as the program’s all-time leader for points and rebounds.

Kamateros (6’8″, 240 lbs) brings his unique skillset to Nashville after four seasons at the University of South Dakota, earning All- Summit League Honorable Mention twice. The Athens, Greece native posted 989 points, 497 rebounds and 140 career assists for the Coyotes in 100 career games.

Kamateros is one of just four student-athletes in the nation 6’8 or taller who registered at least 50 assists and made at least 50 three-pointers in each of the last two seasons. During the 2022-2023 season, he shot 40.1 percent (57-of-142) from three-point distance and had 19 games with multiple threes. Kamateros averaged 12.5 points, 6.4 rebounds and 1.7 assists as a senior, posting 21 games scoring in double figures including five games with 20-plus points.

Vanderbilt Reveals New Enhancements For Hawkins Field

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Hawkins Field renovations rendering.

Vanderbilt Athletics has revealed artistic renderings for major enhancements to Hawkins Field, home of the two-time National Champion Vandy Boys.

A cornerstone of Vandy United’s recently announced Dare to Grow phase, the Hawkins Field initiative creates extensive premium seating opportunities, expands capacity and reimagines the game day experience for fans of one of college baseball’s most successful programs.

“Hawkins Field and the Vandy Boys represent Vanderbilt at its best, and I’m excited to create a game day experience that sets a new standard for college baseball,” says Candice Storey Lee, Vice Chancellor for Athletics & University Affairs and Athletic Director. “As Vandy United becomes part of our Dare to Grow comprehensive campaign, this is our moment to act. Coming together as One Vanderbilt will make this project possible, and every gift is an investment in one of our greatest assets. The Vandy Boys are one of a kind, so visiting Hawkins Field to watch them compete should be an experience like no other.”

Hawkins Field renovations rendering.

The initiative maintains and celebrates the stadium’s role as a hub of the Frist Athletics Village. This initiative depends on community support, and alumni and supporters can help shape the future of Hawkins Field by making a gift of any size.

“Coach [Tim] Corbin and the Vandy Boys have long been an example of how we set the same high standards for ourselves in athletics as we do across the rest of the university,” says Daniel Diermeier, Chancellor. “Today’s announcement is further proof that, through the historic Vandy United effort, we will give all those who strive for excellence the tools to succeed and reach the full heights of their potential.”

Working closely with Populous, Master Architect for Vandy United, enhancements will include:

  • Second grandstand level: A new deck of seats above the existing grandstand, part of raising capacity by more than 10 percent, will feature exclusive opera-style boxes that put fans on top of the action. A second pillared concourse creates a coliseum effect for the exterior façade along the multi-use greenway developed in Vandy United’s initial phase.
  • Multiple innovative club spaces, including left-field wall and behind-the-plate seating: A completely new addition to Hawkins Field, club spaces give supporters unique ways to enjoy the game. Spaces include seating atop the iconic left-field wall and a partially submerged behind-the-plate vantage point in the main grandstand.
  • Multiple private suite opportunities: New private suites will form a third level above the existing press box and offer the ultimate group experience.
  • 360-degree stadium experience: Fans will be able walk between infield and outfield seating areas without leaving the facility, further enhancing the atmosphere.
  • Hawkins Field entry atrium: An instantly Instagrammable spot for all Vandy fans, a new entry atrium beyond right field offers a place to meet before climbing the stairs to soak in the unforgettable view of the field.
  • Multi-purpose building: A new 20,000-square-foot building beyond right-field provides space for enhancing both the fan and student-athlete experience.

National Champions in 2014 and 2019, Vanderbilt has an 882-418-1 record under Corbin. This past weekend, the Vandy Boys won their fourth SEC Tournament Championship—their third with Corbin.

Hawkins Field renovations rendering.

“At Vanderbilt, we bring together the best and brightest to make each other better,” says Lee. “Coach Tim Corbin has done that for 20 years, mentoring Major Leaguers, innovators and community leaders. By setting an unmatched standard of excellence, the Vandy Boys dare us to grow with them.”

This weekend, Hawkins Field will host its ninth NCAA Regional. During the program’s Hawkins Field era, the Vandy Boys have won four SEC Championships, three SEC Tournament Championships and reached the College World Series on five occasions.

“Hawkins Field has helped us create an environment that has led to success and growth over the past 20 years,” says Corbin. “I’m grateful to Chancellor Diermeier and Vice Chancellor Lee for their leadership in ensuring it remains a place that is special for our student-athletes and supporters. Our team understands that we get to share this space for the time we’re given and then pass it on to future generations. What space we have, we take care of. We’re proud of it. This is our home, and I look forward to seeing it grow.”

Lipscomb Wins ASUN Baseball Tournament, Headed To NCAA Regionals

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Lipscomb Baseball. Photo: Courtesy of Lipscomb Athletics

Lipscomb University’s baseball team punched their ticket to the NCAA Regionals after winning the Atlantic Sun Conference (ASUN) Championship Final, beating Florida Gulf Coast University (FGCU) 12-6 on Sunday, May 28.

Alex Vergara tied a Championship Final record of three home runs to help the Bisons claim their third league banner and first since 2015. The Bisons started the year 5-13 but continued to battle, finishing 29-11 with a regular season and tournament title, earning their way to Regionals next week.

Lipscomb struck first for a 1-0 lead after one frame. Mason Lundgrin launched his fourth homer of the season to put the Bisons in front early.

They put a three-spot up in the second to continue their hot start, beginning with a bunt single by Parks Bouck, who advanced to second on a throwing error, and then a grounder moved him to third. Will Lee followed with a single up the middle to plate Lipscomb’s second run of the day.

Moments later, Caleb Ketchup connected on his 16th big fly of the season, giving the Bisons a 4-0 lead over the Eagles. Then, Vergara hit his first home run and put Lipscomb in front 5-0, capping off an electric start for the top seed.

FGCU got three runs back, in the top of the third, with a single, walk and a homer by ASUN Player of the Year Edrick Felix. But the bats stayed hot for the Bisons, as they answered with two more runs in the bottom half.

Trace Willhoite started the frame with a double down the left-field line, followed by a single from Austin Kelly to put runners at the corners with no outs. Jake Berg came through with a double to right center to score both the runners on base, increasing the Bisons’ lead to four runs.

Lipscomb tallied another run their next time up as Vergara belted his second-yard ball, and he didn’t stop there. After a sac fly to center field by Lee, which scored Berg from third, Vergara tallied his third bomb of the afternoon with a three-run shot, extending their lead to eight runs.

However, FGCU wasn’t going down without a fight, erupting for three runs in the sixth with two long balls to left field. But the Bisons’ bullpen put on a masterclass, holding the high-powered Eagles offense scoreless in the final three frames to claim the ASUN Tournament title and an auto-bid to the NCAA Regionals next week.

Lipscomb is now set to play Clemson in the Clemson Regional this Friday, June 2 at 12 p.m. CT.