Meet the 2022-23 Kentucky Wildcats: Transfer Antonio Reeves could be one of top UK scorers
READ MORE
Need to know: Where every Wildcat fits for 2022-23
Meet every member of the University of Kentucky men’s basketball team through a series of preseason stories.
Expand All
We’re getting to know all 15 of the 2022-23 Kentucky Wildcats. Here is what to expect from one of the UK transfers. Watch Kentucky.com for stories about all of the remaining Cats as the preseason unfolds.
Antonio Reeves
Uniform number: 12.
Height/weight: 6-5, 205.
Position: Guard.
Class: Senior.
Age: 21.
Hometown: Chicago.
High school: Simeon.
Reeves’ role in 2022-23: “We brought him in to make baskets,” John Calipari said recently. “… And he can make baskets.” Simple enough. Reeves played three seasons at Illinois State before transferring to Kentucky this summer following his breakout junior year. He averaged 20.1 points per game and shot 39.0 percent from three-point range last season, major jumps in both categories from his first two seasons in college. (He was only a 30.9 percent shooter from deep over those two years).
Reeves was named the MVP of UK’s summer Bahamas trip and the top player at the team’s Blue-White Game to tip off this preseason, leading the Cats in scoring in both instances. Those have been exhibitions, but Reeves has shown offensive skills that should translate against top-flight competition. He has a quick release on his shot and is clearly comfortable in catch-and-shoot situations. He’s also shown an ability to create offense for himself off the dribble, capable shooting in the midrange and is athletic enough to get to the rim and finish once he’s there.
Reeves will need to work at being a better defender, but the Cats should have plenty of help on that side of the ball. His biggest contributions will come on offense, and — if the preseason is any indication — he’ll likely be among the Wildcats’ top scorers.
This story was originally published November 2, 2022 at 11:00 AM.
