Another former Kentucky basketball standout has secured his debut NBA contract. Antonio Reeves, a first-year guard, has officially inked a three-year deal worth $5.41 million. Reeves was selected as the 47th overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft held this June.
Prior to his professional journey, Reeves had a successful collegiate career, initially at Illinois State before transferring to Kentucky. During his two seasons with the Wildcats, he showcased impressive shooting skills, averaging 17.2 points per game and boasting a 42.2 percent accuracy from beyond the arc, sinking a total of 164 three-pointers.
Reeves made significant contributions to Kentucky’s squad, earning the SEC Sixth Man of the Year award in his first season and following it up with an All-SEC First Team selection in his second year. His standout stats included averaging 20.2 points and shooting an impressive 44.7 percent from three-point range, one of the highest percentages in all of college basketball.
The New Orleans Pelicans and Antonio Reeves have agreed to a three-year, $5.41 million deal, league sources told @hoopshype. Reeves was the No. 47 overall pick in the 2024 NBA Draft by the Orlando Magic and was acquired by the Pelicans in a trade during the draft. pic.twitter.com/VlRm9pSYHy
— Michael Scotto (@MikeAScotto) July 22, 2024
Notably, he was among a select few NCAA Division I players to achieve shooting percentages of at least 50 percent from the field, 44 percent from three-point range, and 86 percent from the free-throw line.
Following his college career, Reeves participated in the NBA Summer League, where he averaged 11.8 points and 2.4 rebounds per game, showcasing his skills on a broader stage.
“Antonio was known as a prolific shooter and playmaker,” commented Pelicans general manager Bryson Graham last month. “I first saw him play during his days at Illinois State, notably in the Missouri Valley tournament.”
Reeves’ transition to the NBA marks a significant milestone in his basketball journey, and his shooting prowess and versatility are expected to be valuable assets as he embarks on his professional career.
