University of Kentucky’s standout player Reed Sheppard is gearing up for the NBA draft after an impressive college career.

Despite a challenging season for the Wildcats, Sheppard’s performance was a bright spot, leading the team to an NCAA Division I tournament appearance.

Sheppard is projected to go high in most mock drafts, with ESPN placing him third, just behind top prospects Zaccharie Risacher and Alexandre Sarr.

If drafted third, Sheppard is likely to join the Houston Rockets, who acquired the pick from the Brooklyn Nets via the 2021 James Harden trade. Adding Sheppard, a sharpshooter, could significantly boost the young Rockets’ chances of reaching the playoffs next year.

His top draft prospects are not only a testament to his skill but also to the support he receives from his coach, John Calipari, and his girlfriend, Brailey Dizney.

Who is Brailey Dizney?

Sheppard and Dizney made their relationship public in 2021 through social media posts. Since then, Dizney has been a regular presence at Sheppard’s games, showing her unwavering support for the 6-foot-3 player.

The couple, together for nearly three years, will celebrate their fourth anniversary in November. Their love story, however, began much earlier, deeply rooted in their family connections.

They met through their parents during a family vacation in Holmes Beach, Florida. Although both are from London, Kentucky, they attended different high schools.

Sheppard excelled at North Laurel High School, earning multiple honors, including the 2022 Kentucky Gatorade Player of the Year, 2023 McDonald’s All-American and 2023 Kentucky Mr. Basketball. Dizney, meanwhile, graduated from South Laurel High School.

Their summer vacation in Florida proved to be a turning point, kindling a romance that has grown over time.