It has been a jam-packed offseason of changes for Oklahoma basketball already and we aren’t even through the month of March. Both the roster and coaching staff have seen significant changes over the past week with another big domino falling on Wednesday morning with star guard Austin Reaves declaring for the NBA Draft, per ESPN’s Jonathon Givony.
Oklahoma guard Austin Reaves – – the No. 40 prospect in the ESPN 100 – – will declare for the 2021 NBA draft and forgo his remaining college eligibility, he told ESPN. https://t.co/S6rb80efrH
— Jonathan Givony (@DraftExpress) March 31, 2021
As the face of the team, Reaves had himself a really solid 2020-21 season leading the Sooners in points, rebounds and assists throughout the year. Simply put, he made the team go and was easily the team’s best and most consistent player night in and night out.
Reaves played his first two collegiate seasons at Wichita State before transferring over at the end of the 2018 season. After sitting out a year, he quickly became a key part of the team and one of the vocal leaders. His impact on the program was undeniable as a huge piece to several significant wins over the last couple of years.
While it came in a loss, one of his most memorable outings in a crimson uniform may have come in his last with his gutty showing against No. 1 Gonzaga in this year’s NCAA Tournament to keep Oklahoma in the game despite being under-manned and seemingly out-gunned against the mighty Bulldogs.
While not really unexpected, Sooners fans holding out hope that Reaves would return to school will certainly be dealt a big hit of disappointment today as he leaves an obvious gaping hole in the team next year as the do-it-all guy who was the primary ball-handler.
Even more attention now turns to the decision of De’Vion Harmon, who entered the draft last week but can still return to the team next year. Should he do so, he will slide into the point guard spot and quickly became the face of the team and the best player under the new head coach.
As for Reaves, he will begin his quest in the professional ranks working out for teams at the scouting combine ahead of July’s draft. Sooners Wire will provide updates on his draft projections throughout the process to see where his potential landing spot may be.