Antonio Reeves reveals what he learned in NBA Draft process

Antonio Reeves isn’t in the NBA, but he’s already a pro. The Kentucky fifth-year senior recently discussed what he learned during the NBA Draft process.

“What I learned is just getting yourself prepared. Be a pro. Just take care of your body because it’s 82 games,” Reeves told the press on Friday. “With the workouts, it was workout, rest, workout, rest… Definitely just managing your body as you get older.”

Despite picking up many lessons, Reeves ultimately withdrew his name from the draft. Nonetheless, the 6-foot-5 guard kept fans anxiously waiting for over two and a half months until June 21, when reports flooded in that Reeves was back on campus.

Reeves won’t have the option to return next season. After playing three seasons at Illinois State and one season at Kentucky, the 2023-2024 season will be Reeves’ final year of eligibility.

The Chicago native walked away from the NBA Draft process with new skills to improve upon in hopes of having his best season yet.

“It definitely helped because every time it gives me like an urge of grit every time,” Reeves said. “I got to play better defense. So I take that down there, try to do as much as possible, try to get deflections, try to lockup on [defense], try to even get more rebounds and be more physical down low.”

Reeves won the SEC Player of the Year Award after averaging 14.4 points per game, the second-most for the Cats. However, Reeves is correct in stating his defense can improve. He recorded just 14 steals in 34 games last season.

If Reeves can increase his two-way ability, he could be a star this season. The veteran Wildcat’s confidence is certainly at an all-time high.

“It definitely helped my confidence. Going through workouts and doing really good too. Just being in workouts and doing really good too. Knowing I’m a pro and knowing I’m doing good in NBA workouts. I’m like, ‘Yeah, I’m getting better as a player.’ So, when I come back, I definitely have a different side of me I didn’t know I had,” Reeves said.

Reeves will be able to show off his hard work in the upcoming week at GLOBL JAM in Toronto. Kentucky will face Team Germany, Team Canada and Team Africa, along with one unknown team in a medal game.

Kentucky’s first game will be against Team Germany on July 12 at 1:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast on the CBS Sports Network.