Findlay Prep’s Shepard commits to San Diego State
Winston Shepard said there was no true runner-up in his recruitment to play college basketball.
The Findlay Prep senior forward is too in love with his first choice to give it much thought.
Shepard made an oral commitment to San Diego State on Thursday and plans to sign with the Aztecs in April. The versatile 6-foot-9-inch Shepard enjoyed his official visit to San Diego State the weekend of Feb. 4 and felt no reason to continue waiting to decide.
“There was no runner-up. I just look at it as San Diego State was the best option for me,” Shepard said. “Coach (Steve) Fisher, me and my family sat down and talked about it, and it’s the best decision for me. It’s their style of play.”
Shepard said he also considered scholarship offers from New Mexico, Connecticut, St. John’s, Oregon and Oklahoma State. UNLV also recruited Shepard.
Rivals.com ranks Shepard the nation’s No. 40 senior regardless of position and a four-star prospect. The wiry talent was instrumental in defending Bishop Gorman’s Shabazz Muhammad during a 73-61 victory over the Gaels on Jan. 21.
Shepard has showed off his wide skill set in the past two games for Findlay Prep (25-1), totaling 36 points, 25 rebounds and 20 assists in home blowout wins over ABCD Academy (Texas).
Asked what the biggest things are that he will bring to the Aztecs, Shepard said: “Definitely my playmaking ability, getting guys the ball in position to score and making my teammates better.”
The first day Shepard can sign with San Diego State is April 11.