Oklahoma transfer Jordan Shepherd steps from ‘shadows’ into Charlotte 49ers’ spotlight

Charlotte 49ers point guard Jordan Shepherd has a vivid way of describing how he feels about returning to college basketball after sitting out last season:

“It’s like I’m coming out of the shadows,” he said.

A junior transfer from Oklahoma, Shepherd spent the NCAA-mandated season on the 49ers’ bench, watching as his new teammates struggled to a 8-21 record. Actually, the word “watching” doesn’t do justice to what Shepherd was doing. He says he was observing, learning and soaking up everything he could.

And now, with Charlotte’s point guard spot vacated by four-year starter Jon Davis, it’s time for Shepherd to step in.

“This is a great opportunity for me,” said Shepherd, who is 6-foot-4 and 185 pounds. “I was able to see things from a different perspective last season. Most people probably see sitting out a year as a bad thing. But I was able to work on my game, settle into school and get accustomed to my new team and coaching staff.”

Sanchez won’t ask Shepherd alone to replace Davis, who is third on Charlotte’s career scoring list and second in assists. In fact, Sanchez plans to use a committee approach at the point guard position this season. Shepherd and true freshman Jahmir Young both started in an exhibition against Georgia in October. There were times when sophomore point guard Cooper Robb joined Shepherd and Young in the game.

“Man, that’s a dream for me,” said Sanchez, whose team opens the season Wednesday at James Madison. “If I could find a 6-8 point guard, I’d play four point guards all the time. But we will always have two or two-and-half point guards on the floor. It makes it easier to manage pressure, make plays, having guys out there that really understand the game and have a really good feel.”

All three point guards were productive against Georgia: Shepherd led Charlotte with 16 points and five assists, and Young added 14 points, seven rebounds and three assists. Robb had 10 points, making 2-of-4 3-pointers.

“You can’t replace a guy like Jon Davis,” Sanchez said. “What we can do, as a group, is be productive and maybe play a little differently. We can have the same production, but from more individuals.”

Shepherd scored four points in the first half against Georgia. He was much more of a factor in the second half, going to the basket with authority and scoring 12 points.

“Jordan not only brings his physical tools, but his playing experience,” Sanchez said. “He’s played in a lot of games with and against some high-level talent. He’s one of the most experienced guys on our team, but he also hasn’t played a game with us.

“I’m challenging him publicly to be a leader and to communicate well. There’s a lot on his shoulders this season.”

A native of Asheville who starred at Asheville Christian in nearby Swannanoa, Shepherd played 59 games in two seasons at Oklahoma, starting four times. As a freshman, he averaged 4.3 points and had 43 assists. But any chance of his playing time increasing significantly as a sophomore pretty much blew up with the arrival of the mercurial freshman Trae Young, who would lead the nation in points and assists.

And although Young would leave for the NBA after one season, Shepherd was also ready to depart Norman.

“Honestly, I just saw a bigger role for myself,” Shepherd said. “I saw myself as more than maybe what they saw me. I had a chance to come somewhere where they really needed me, not just wanted me. I wanted to be at a place where I can have a real impact.”

When Shepherd entered the NCAA’s transfer portal after the 2017-18 season, he got interest from schools like Georgia Tech, South Carolina, Memphis, Clemson, San Diego and St. John’s. Then he heard from Sanchez, who had just taken the Charlotte job, and assistant Vic Sfera✓.

The chance to play close to his N.C. home, as well as contribute in a meaningful way when he became eligible again was too attractive to pass up.

“I made the best decision of my life, coming home,” Shepherd said. “Oklahoma was 15 hours away. I was kind of uncomfortable when I was there.

“I’m so glad I made this decision.”

Charlotte at a glance

Last season: 8-21 (5-13 Conference USA, 13th).

Returning starters: 3 (junior forward Milos Supica; sophomore guard Malik Martin, sophomore guard Cooper Robb).

Key newcomers: Jordan Shepherd (junior guard), Jahmir Young (freshman guard), Caleb Stone-Carrawell (freshman guard), Brice Williams (freshman guard), Drew Edwards (senior guard), Amidou Bamba (senior forward).

Bottom line: Three of the newcomers — Shepherd, Edwards and Amidou — are transfers and will give an otherwise very young 49ers team much-needed experience. Coach Ron Sanchez’s rebuilding project continues.

Charlotte at James Madison

When: 7:30 p.m., Wednesday

Listen: 730-AM