Richard “Shep” Shepherd is a veteran coach, mentor, and former player whose impact on the basketball court extends far beyond the stat sheet. Hailing from Greenville, North Carolina, Shep has built a reputation as a coach who blends experience, passion, and hands-on leadership to develop players both on and off the court. Known for his work ethic, basketball IQ, and the ability to connect with athletes at every level, Coach Shep has become a trusted figure in the Omaha basketball community and a name synonymous with hard work, grit, and dedication.

Shep’s basketball journey began as a competitor with an unrelenting drive. He played at Cape Fear Community College (Wilmington, NC), honing the fundamentals of his game and learning to compete at a high level. From there, he continued his collegiate career at Bellevue University and Peru State College, where he developed into a well-rounded player capable of impacting games in multiple ways. Beyond college, he extended his career into the semi-professional ranks with the Cuttaz, a stage that tested his skills, mental toughness, and ability to perform against seasoned competition. His playing experiences — from junior college to semi-pro — gave him a deep understanding of the game, as well as the work ethic and discipline required to succeed at every level.

Transitioning from player to coach, Shep has accumulated six years of coaching experience across multiple programs, building a resume rooted in player development, leadership, and team success. He began his coaching career at Benson High School, where he spent a year learning the craft of teaching the game and helping young athletes understand the value of discipline, effort, and accountability. From there, he returned to his roots in North Carolina at J.H. Rose High School, where he spent three years helping players refine their skills and cultivate a competitive mindset. His time at Rose allowed him to develop his philosophy as a coach: hard work, preparation, and attention to detail always trump natural talent alone.

Following his success at Rose, Shep joined the NLA program, where he spent two years focusing on advanced player development. In this role, he worked with athletes looking to elevate their games for collegiate competition, emphasizing fundamentals, basketball IQ, and the mental side of the sport. Whether it was developing shooting mechanics, ball-handling, defensive footwork, or leadership skills, Shep proved to be a coach who could unlock potential and challenge players to push past their limits.

Today, Coach Shep serves as an Assistant Coach and Player Development Coach for the varsity program at Omaha Central High School, one of Nebraska’s premier basketball programs. At Central, he has become an integral part of the coaching staff, helping players improve on both ends of the floor while fostering a culture of accountability, effort, and team-first basketball. His experience as a college and semi-pro player allows him to provide perspective and guidance to players striving to compete at the next level.

What sets Coach Shepherd apart is his approach to leadership. He is a hands-on coach who still gets in the fire with his players, jumping into drills, demonstrating moves, and leading by example. His intensity and energy are infectious, inspiring athletes to give their maximum effort every practice and every game. Shep believes that great coaching isn’t about standing on the sidelines and giving instructions — it’s about sharing the grind with your players, earning their respect through action, and showing them what it means to compete at the highest level.

Off the court, Shep’s influence extends into mentorship and character development. He understands that basketball is as much about life lessons as it is about points and rebounds. He emphasizes accountability, resilience, and mental toughness, teaching his players to face challenges head-on and carry themselves with integrity both on and off the floor. His personal journey from Greenville, North Carolina, to Nebraska basketball has given him a unique perspective, allowing him to connect with players from diverse backgrounds while preparing them for the demands of the sport and life beyond it.

Over the years, Coach Shepherd has earned the respect of players, colleagues, and opponents alike for his dedication, knowledge, and passion. He has become known not only for his technical coaching ability but also for his authenticity, relatability, and commitment to helping players reach their full potential. Many of the athletes he has worked with credit him for helping them grow not just as basketball players, but as individuals who understand the value of discipline, leadership, and perseverance.

Coach Richard “Shep” Shepherd embodies what it means to be a modern basketball coach: experienced, knowledgeable, demanding, and, above all, invested in the people he coaches. His story is one of relentless dedication — from a competitive player at multiple collegiate levels to a semi-pro athlete, and now to a coach shaping the next generation of basketball talent.

For every athlete who steps onto the court with him, Shep offers more than X’s and O’s — he offers guidance, mentorship, and a model of what it means to compete with purpose and heart. Whether leading practices, developing skill sets, or preparing for game day, he remains in the trenches alongside his players, ensuring that every athlete he touches walks away better than they came.

From Greenville, North Carolina, to Omaha, Nebraska, Coach Shepherd’s journey is a testament to the power of experience, hard work, and passion for the game. And for those fortunate enough to play for him, one thing is clear: when Coach Shep is in your corner, you have a coach who not only knows the game, but also knows how to bring out the very best in every player.