Tag: Antonio Reeves

Former Wildcats guard Antonio Reeves signs deal with Pelicans

Guard Antonio Reeves has signed his contract with the New Orleans Pelicans.

One of the pleasant surprises for Big Blue Nation at the 2024 NBA draft was the selection of former Kentucky basketball star Antonio Reeves. While most mock drafts leading up to it predicted he wouldn’t be picked, he went 47th overall and, after a trade, wound up with the New Orleans Pelicans.

In NBA Summer League play, Reeves played solidly. He averaged nearly 12 points per game and added 2.4 rebounds and 1.6 assists per contest as well. His three-point shooting was down a bit, but that’s not likely to be an issue in the long run.

Related: ESPN names Reed Sheppard as Summer League star

On Monday, Reeves signed his contract with the Pelicans, and per Michael Scotto of Hoops Hype, it’s a three year deal worth $5.41 million with a team option for year three.

It’s unlikely that Reeves will be a starter for New Orleans, but he certainly has the ability to come off the bench and contribute.

At Kentucky, he developed into one of their best scorers of all-time, and an elite shooter as well. He averaged over 20 points per game in his final season in Lexington, and was first-team All-SEC.

Wildcats fans will continue to support Reeves as he begins his NBA career, and congratulates him on his contract.

Report: Pelicans sign Antonio Reeves to 3-year, $5.41 million rookie contract

Former Kentucky guard Antonio Reeves signed his rookie contract with the Pelicans on Monday.

Former Kentucky guard Antonio Reeves, the 47th pick in the 2024 NBA draft, signed his rookie contract with the New Orleans Pelicans on Monday, the team announced.

The contract is reportedly worth $5.41 million over three years, according to Michael Scotto of HoopsHype. The Pelicans likely signed Reeves via the second-round pick exception, which was introduced in the new collective bargaining agreement last year.

Reeves was voted a third-team All-American last season after averaging 20.2 points, 4.2 rebounds and 1.6 assists as a fifth-year senior. He was one of three players to shoot at least 50% from the field, 44% from 3-point range and 86.3% from the free-throw line.

Reeves debuted with the Pelicans in the NBA Summer League this month, averaging 11.8 points, 2.4 rebounds, 1.6 assists and one steal on 32% shooting from 3-point range. He reached double figures three times, including 18 points on Saturday.

The 23-year-old had a strong showing and proved why the Pelicans selected him in the second round. He displayed his offensive versatility and defended at a high level by playing the passing lanes and bringing energy during his time on the court.

Reeves claimed the 14th spot on the roster by signing a standard contract with the team. He should have the opportunity to compete for a spot in the rotation in training camp.

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Antonio Reeves was selected 47th overall in the 2024 NBA draft

Antonio Reeves was taken by the New Orleans Pelicans in the NBA draft.

Leading up to the 2024 NBA draft, most mock drafts left guard Antonio Reeves off, feeling he wouldn’t be picked. As it turns out, on Thursday evening, he became the third Wildcat selected, and a top 50 pick.

With the 47th overall pick, Reeves was drafted by the New Orleans Pelicans after they traded up into the spot. Reeves should be a terrific bench player who gives the team a quality outside shooter who improved his driving game last year as well.

Related: Social media reacts to Rob Dillingham being drafted

The concern with Reeves is that he has already hit his ceiling, and that he won’t hold up defensively. However, offensively, he’s already a polished product who can help the Pelicans right away.

Reeves was a fan favorite at Kentucky with his timely shooting and consistent scoring ability. Last season, he averaged 20.2 points per game, which was the most under John Calipari at Kentucky. Big Blue Nation wishes Reeves well at the NBA level.

Antonio Reeves: NBA draft scouting report

2000 | 6’4.5 | 6’8 WS | 186 LBS Team: Kentucky Agency: Sam Rise (CAA) Best aggregate mock draft rank : 44 / Worst rank: NR 2023-24 stats: In 2023-24, Reeves averaged 20.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 0.7 blocks, and 1.7 steals per game. He …

2000 | 6’4.5 | 6’8 WS | 186 LBS

Team: Kentucky

Agency: Sam Rise (CAA)

Best aggregate mock draft rank: 44 / Worst rank: NR

2023-24 stats:

In 2023-24, Reeves averaged 20.2 points, 4.3 rebounds, 4.3 assists, 0.7 blocks, and 1.7 steals per game. He shot 50.7 percent from the field, 44.0 percent from three, and 88.0 percent from the foul line.

Projected second-round pick Payton Sandfort to work out with Warriors

Projected second-round pick Payton Sandfort is among six prospects who will work out with the Warriors on Thursday.

Projected second-round pick Payton Sandfort is among six prospects who will work out with the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, according to Jason Dumas of KRON4 News.

Sandfort was named to the All-Big Ten third team after averaging 16.4 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.7 assists on 37.9% shooting from 3-point range in 34 games. He led the conference in 3-pointers (94) and ranked eighth in scoring.

Joining Sandfort in the workout on Thursday are San Diego State guard Lamont Butler, Illinois forward Coleman Hawkins, Washington State forward Isaac Jones, Kentucky forward Antonio Reeves and Auburn forward Jaylin Williams.

The Warriors have one draft selection this year — the 52nd pick from the Milwaukee Bucks — after their first-round pick was conveyed to the Portland Trail Blazers in the draft lottery. The players visiting on Thursday could be potential targets for the team in the second round.

With just one pick, the Warriors hope to find another player late in the draft who can contribute next season. The team received strong production this season from Trayce Jackson-Davis, who was the 57th pick last year and nearly made the NBA All-Rookie second team.

The organization will continue to bring in prospects for workouts and interviews who could be targeted in the second round or as undrafted free agents.

The 2024 NBA draft will take place June 26-27 in New York City.

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Antonio Reeves will host a youth camp in Lexington before NBA draft

Former Kentucky basketball player Antonio Reeves is hosting a basketball camp for kids.

Former Kentucky basketball star Antonio Reeves has spent the week working out, performing drills, and playing scrimmages, trying to get himself picked in the NBA draft. It’s a stressful time for draft hopefuls, but Reeves will be using that time to do something positive.

On June 1st, in Lexington, the Antonio Reeves Basketball Camp will take place from 9 AM to 1 PM Eastern time. That’s just a few weeks before he’s hoping to hear his name called at the draft.

Related: Tyrese Maxey wins NBA Sportsmanship award

A lot of mock drafts have Reeves going undrafted, but some analysts have him rated much higher. He has always been a terrific shooter, but has improved his game inside the arc a lot over the past year. He’s a much more well-rounded player now, and his skillset should fit in well with an NBA team.

Antonio Reeves made himself into a fan favorite at Kentucky. Fans loved to root for him as a Wildcat, and they’ll be rooting for him in the NBA. Now, those who have kids can have them attend his camp and spend time learning the game from one of their favorites.

Antonio Reeves is a top 40 player according to one NBA analyst

NBA analyst Sam Vecenie thinks Antonio Reeves could be a first round player.

Antonio Reeves has had a terrific NBA Draft Combine, and he could be rising up draft boards. According to one NBA analyst, he is already a top 40 player worthy of consideration in round one.

Reeves is a sharp-shooting guard who improved every area of his game prior to last season. He went from mainly just being a three-point shooter to being able to score inside and out. His defense got better as well.

Related: Social media reacts to Reed Sheppard’s Combine performance

The Athletic’s Sam Vecenie is very high on Reeves and his NBA future. He went on X, formerly known as Twitter, to talk about the former Wildcat. In part, he said:

I’m also inching closer to an Antonio Reeves first round grade. Not quite there, but he’s a top-40 guy for me.

This is high praise for a player who has mainly been a late second round pick in most mock drafts, if he’s in them at all. Many have him going undrafted.

Reeves became one of the more popular players in recent years with Kentucky. His skillset seems to be one that can help an NBA team, and Big Blue Nation hopes he hears his name called, maybe even in round one.

Two former Wildcats impress scouts in NBA Draft Combine scrimmage

Antonio Reeves and Justin Edwards both had solid days at their NBA Draft Combine scrimmage.

The NBA Draft Combine is happening this week, and four former Kentucky basketball players were there to be measured and participate in drills for NBA scouts. Two of them, Antonio Reeves and Justin Edwards, also chose to play in scrimmages versus other prospects.

Both former Wildcats were said to have impressed those who watched the Combine scrimmages. Both were solid in the limited time they had.

Guard Antonio Reeves played for team St. Andrews, and posted 17 points, 4 assists, a steal, and a block. He is trying to play his way into the draft, as many analysts have left him out of their mock drafts.

Related: Kentucky basketball roster tracker for the 2024-25 season

Forward Justin Edwards is a potential first round pick, and helped himself on Tuesday as well. He went 2-for-5 from three-point range and scored 14 points to go with 6 rebounds, and 2 assists.

The other two former Wildcats at the Combine were Reed Sheppard and Rob Dillingham. Sheppard elected to not participate in the scrimmages, while Dillingham has an injured ankle.

There will be another scrimmage played on Wednesday, and Reeves and Edwards will attempt to have another good day.

Gallery: The best images from the Kentucky Wildcats 2023-24 regular season wins

The best image from every Kentucky win this season

The Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team starts their NCAA Tournament journey on Thursday against the Oakland Golden Grizzlies. Through the regular season, they earned a number three seed in the South Region, having gone 23 – 9, with several wins over ranked teams.

The Cats performed very well in the non-conference portion of their schedule, with wins over North Carolina and Miami, and a near-win over Kansas.

The SEC part of the season was a bit of a struggle. At one point the lost three consecutive home games, but went on a run of wins to end the season.

This year’s Kentucky team was one of the most fun in recent memory. The defense wasn’t always as good as it needed to be, but the offense was one of the country’s most explosive all season long.

Every game the Wildcats played in had multiple great images that told the story of their season. Here is one image from each game that Kentucky won during the regular season.

IT’S BRACKET MADNESS: Enter USA TODAY’s NCAA Tournament bracket contest for a chance at a $1 million prize

Multiple Wildcats honored by SEC coaches as All-SEC

Four Kentucky players were recognized with awards by SEC coaches

The 2023-24 regular season was another great one for the Kentucky Wildcats men’s basketball team. On Monday, several members of the team were honored by the Southeastern Conference coaches, and were recognized for their play.

Senior guard Antonio Reeves didn’t win Player of the Year, but he was voted as first team All-SEC. Reeves is currently on track to have the highest per game scoring average at Kentucky since John Calipari became the coach.

Rob Dillingham has been one of the most exciting players in Kentucky basketball history. His ability to take over games earned him the SEC’s Sixth Man of the Year award. He was also second team All-SEC and a part of their All-Freshman Team.

Like his father Jeff, Reed Sheppard has become one of the most popular Wildcats ever. His clutch shooting and high basketball IQ propelled him to the SEC’s Freshman of the Year award. Like Dillingham, he was also second team All-SEC.

D.J. Wagner has struggled with injuries this season, but has proven to be an excellent defender. He also flashes an innate ability to get into the lane. He joined Dillingham and Sheppard on the SEC All-Freshman team.

The recipients, and their teammates have games still to play, beginning with the SEC Tournament, which starts later this week. Kentucky will play their first game on Friday.