May 4, 2004
USD Associate Head Men's Basketball Coach and Head Recruiting Coordinator, Brian Fish, announced today that Michael Shepherd (Orem, UT) has signed a National Letter of Intent to play for the University of San Diego next season. Shepherd will transfer from Odessa College (Odessa, TX) where this past season he started every game at forward.
"Michael is exactly what we were looking for," said Brian Fish. "He's left-handed, an older mature player, and he is extremely tough and physical. He'll add a physical toughness we lacked inside at times last season."
This past season Shepherd, a 6-8, 225 lb. forward, averaged 9.0 points per game and 8.0 rebounds while earning honorable mention All-WJCAC honors. He converted 48.0% of his shots from the field and 72.0% from the free throw line while starting every game for the Wranglers. He tallied four double-double games with a high of 16 points. Playing for Orlando "Coach O" Ontiveroz, the team placed third in league at 9-5 and finished the season 18-11 overall. Besides being named team captain in mid-season, he was awarded the Jim Carlson Award, given to the student-athlete for his all-around efforts in basketball, the classroom, and in the community.
"I'm excited about the opportunity to play for a great coaching staff at USD," said Michael Shepherd. "I'm looking forward to getting out there this summer and getting a chance to work out and get to know my teammates."
After graduating from Timpanogos High School in 1999, Shepherd served a 2-year church mission in the Washington D.C./Maryland area. He began his collegiate career at Utah Valley State where he redshirted during the 2001-2002 season. His playing time during the 2002-2003 season was limited due to a knee injury.
A three-year starter at Timpanogos High School in Orem, Utah, Shepherd earned the Rebounder of the Year award his senior campaign in 1999. His senior year squad was ranked No. 2 in the state heading into the state playoffs before they were upset in the first round. Shepherd will major in Psychology at USD, and hopes to eventually earn his Master's Degree in Sports Psychology.
