Billy Shepherd, Mr. Basketball 1968

Martie and Dave Crider with their friends Billy and Connie Shepherd

Billy Shepherd, a member of the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame, 1968 Mr. Basketball, and ABA basketball player spoke to Kiwanis about his career.  Shepherd, a 1968 graduate of Carmel High School, was coached by his father, Bill Shepherd Sr.  While at Carmel, Shepherd scored 2,465 points. He ranked fourth in all-time scoring in Indiana and was a two-time All-State selection. 

Shepherd was recruited by Johnny Wooden to play for UCLA and by Tony Hinkle to play at Butler.  Shepherd chose to play for Hinkle and Butler.  Shepherds single season scoring average of 27.8 points per game and his career average of 24.1 points per game are still Butler records. Billy was named M.V.P. of the 1972 East-West College All Star Game.

From 1972 to 1975, Shepherd played in the American Basketball Association as a member of the Virginia Squires, San Diego Conquistadors, and Memphis Sounds.  He then went to work for Converse.  More recently Shepherd coached Muncie Central High School from 2003-2004 and then Marion High School.

Shepherd shared several stories about Wooden, Hinkle, and former ABA coach Wilt Chambelain.  Shepherd and his wife Connie have 2 sons and 2 daughters and reside in Carmel.