Antonio Reeves focusing on defense, leadership ahead of second season at Kentucky

Antonio Reeves knows how to score points in a hurry. You don’t need to be an analyst to know that. The Illinois State transfer was electric during his first season at Kentucky in 2022-23. He averaged 15.7 points per game against SEC competition, won the league’s Sixth Man of the Year trophy, and then put up 23 points per game (on over 56 percent shooting from deep) in Canada over the summer at GLOBL JAM. His 37-point outing on the road in a win over Arkansas near the end of last season solidified his identity as one of college basketball’s all-around best shot-makers.

But none of that helped get him into the NBA (although GLOBL JAM took place after the NBA Draft process), which he nearly tried to do before ultimately electing to return to Lexington for another season of college ball. Now, he’s one of the two upperclassmen on a John Calipari team that is getting back to the head coach’s early days at Kentucky — lots of youth, lots of five-stars. Expectations are high for Reeves, who was named Preseason All-SEC Second-Team earlier this week, going into 2023-24.

We all know he can put the ball in the basket. That’s what he’ll be relied upon to do once again for the Wildcats. But for him to take that next step — whether that be winning SEC Player of the Year or building himself into an NBA Draft pick — he has to improve elsewhere. He spent the offseason doing just that.

“Defense. I definitely learned a lot when I was traveling, how important defense was,” Reeves said during Wednesday’s SEC Media Days about what he’s worked on the most this offseason. “I definitely try to emphasize that every time I step on the floor here. Just being a dog.”

And where exactly does he want to better himself on that end of the court?

“All parts of defense. Being in the right position at all times. I feel like my on-ball defense is pretty good, it’s just when I get off the ball, sometimes I would be lolly-gagging and that’s important if you just make sure to stay in the right spot.”

Reeves was never someone that the opposing teams would target on defense, but to make it at the professional level, you have to be able to do more than just shoot. Improving on defense will only help him now and in the long run. But it’s not all about what’s happening on the floor…

Stepping up as a leader

It would be fair to call Reeves a soft-spoken person. He could flash flair and energy when in the heat of the moment during a game, but when talking in interviews, he’s typically quiet and reserved. Coming from Illinois State last offseason, he didn’t have to be a voice in the locker room, someone who could rally the troops or call out poor play.

That’s another aspect of his game he’s actively trying to improve. Part of it was simply being more confident in himself as a player, which didn’t begin to happen until the middle of last season. With eight freshmen and two sophomores on this year’s Kentucky team, he’ll be expected to speak up more. Having a full year immersed in the program under his belt will surely help too.

“Antonio Reeves was not sure. Came from Illinois State. You’re walking in, it’s Kentucky — every shot is life and death. Now you watch him, sure of himself, no anxiety, talks more,” Calipari said on Wednesday.

“(I’m) more confident,” Reeves said. “Just being more of a leader out there to the younger guys. We got a bunch of younger guys out here.”

Only Reeves and fifth-year forward Tre Mitchell have spent more than two seasons playing college basketball on this year’s Kentucky team. Of course, that means they get hit with “uncle” and “old man” jokes by the newbies. The elder statesmen don’t seem to care though. That’s part of the process, and they appear comfortable embracing it.

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