WATCH: Kentucky star Reed Sheppard throws first pitch at Mets vs. Yankees game ahead of 2024 NBA draft

Kentucky standout Reed Sheppard, a top-five prospect for the 2024 NBA Draft, had the honor of throwing the ceremonial first pitch at the New York Mets vs. New York Yankees game at Citi Field on Tuesday night. The highly anticipated Subway Series drew a crowd filled with former Mets and Yankees legends, including Matt Harvey, Mike Piazza, Gary Sheffield, Dwight Gooden and Darryl Strawberry.

Taking center stage on the pitcher’s mound, Sheppard, a London native, threw a strike to his mother, Stacey Reed Sheppard, who was catching behind the plate. Donning the Mets' new City Connect uniform, Sheppard’s pitch set the tone for an exciting game where the Mets triumphed over the Yankees 9-7. The home team hit four home runs off Yankees ace Gerrit Cole, building an early 6-0 lead with two quick home runs in the second inning.

Though the Yankees opted for a late rise and were drawing attention to their camp with Aaron Judge's grand slam in the second half, the Mets won the initial game of the two-game series. The five RBIs by Judge moved him to the top of the MLB board in both home runs and RBIs, with 29 and 75, respectively.

Although Sheppard wore a neutral NYC jersey, his presence seemed to bring some luck to the Mets. He also posed for a picture with former Louisville Cardinal Donovan Mitchell, sparking some light-hearted rivalry banter as no "Ls Down" were displayed.

The 2024 NBA Draft was chosen by Sheppard, who drew great attention after a successful season. He averaged 12.5 points, 4.5 dimes, 4.1 boards and 2.5 steals per game, and he hit 52.1% in 3-pointers, dunked 65% on the rim and shot 45.8% on other 2-pointers.

Kentucky standout Reed Sheppard set for early selection in NBA draft

Reed Sheppard, one of this year's top NBA draft prospects, has secured a coveted green room invite, indicating a swift selection during Round 1 on Wednesday night. Playing for North Laurel and later as a freshman at Kentucky, Sheppard became the latest one-and-done player from the Wildcats.

Despite less initial hype than top-ranked recruits Aaron Bradshaw, Justin Edwards and D.J. Wagner, Reed Sheppard was Kentucky's most consistent freshman. Sheppard's 12.5 points per game followed only guards Antonio Reeves (who set a John Calipari-era record with 20.2) and Rob Dillingham (15.2). He participated in all 33 games, starting in five.

His 3-point shooting was exceptional, hitting 52.1% (75 of 144), making him the program’s all-time leader in 3-point percentage. Defensively, he notched 82 steals, just six shy of Rajon Rondo's single-season record.

One of the most outstanding moments of the season for Sheppard was when he scored 32 points in a comeback win against Mississippi State, the game ended with a game-winning floater.

The Athletic, Bleacher Report, CBS Sports and ESPN all forecast that Sheppard would be picked at No. 3 by the Houston Rockets, confirming in this way his thorough introduction to pro basketball.