LOOK: The moment Reed Sheppard's NBA dreams came true

“With the third pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, the Houston Rockets select Reed Sheppard from the University of Kentucky.”

Words you never would’ve dreamed of a year ago, now a reality for the star out of Laurel County. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver made it official at the podium on Wednesday, making Sheppard the first college basketball player off the board and top guard taken.

It’s a moment we’ll all remember for a long, long time, one the Sheppards will have forever — especially on Stacey Sheppard’s birthday.

Take a look at the historic selection, the London, KY native the first former Wildcat guard selected in the top three since John Wall in 2010:

Reed Sheppard is selected 3rd overall by the @HoustonRockets in the 2024 #NBADraft presented by State Farm!

Watch on ABC & ESPN. pic.twitter.com/rzVHRun9Ww
— NBA (@NBA) June 27, 2024

Sheppard becomes the highest-selected in-state talent for the Wildcats in history, surpassing Frank Ramsey, who was the No. 5 pick in the 1953 NBA Draft.

“Got our guy,” the Rockets said of their new guard.

Got our guy 👏@reed_sheppard | #Rockets pic.twitter.com/0u20ejZczL
— Houston Rockets (@HoustonRockets) June 27, 2024

“No more nerves, I’m good,” Sheppard said of his big moment. “I’m super excited, this is awesome. Unbelievable. It’s my mom’s birthday today, so it’s going to be a great night — already is a great night. It’s awesome, I’m super thankful.”

“Just so thankful, overwhelmed with appreciation,” Jeff Sheppard added. “So proud of Reed. God has been so good to our family, we’re so glad to be here.”

“We’re just blessed, thankful to be here,” Stacey Sheppard said of her ultimate birthday gift. “I’m enjoying it with my family. We’ve got 75 people, family and friends that are here, getting to celebrate with them. This is an unbelievable day.”

What are the Rockets getting in the former Wildcat?

“I’m just a guy going in who is looking to learn,” he said. “I’m going to do whatever it takes to win. If it’s not making threes right away, it’s getting teammates involved — whatever it takes to win and be on the court. I’m going to do whatever makes the team better.”