Transfer guard from Illinois State, Antonio Reeves, includes Kentucky in his list of top five transfer options. Depaul, Nebraska, Xavier, and Oregon round out the list. (Joe Tipton, ON3)
In his Junior and final season at Illinois State, Reeves averaged 20.1 points per game on 46.9% shooting from the field, as well as 2.3 made three pointers per game at a 39.0% clip. This earned him All-MVC (Missouri Valley Conference) second team honors in addition to the conference's Most Improved Player award.
Antonio Reeves was initially connected to Kentucky through Chin Coleman, due to both of their connections to Chicago high school basketball. But as Kentucky's roster begins to take shape, the addition of Reeves is becoming practical fit for both sides as well. Kentucky's backcourt consists of Sahvir Wheeler, a pass first playmaker who has lead the SEC in assists in consecutive seasons, Cason Wallace, one of the best defenders in the incoming freshman class, and CJ Fredrick, a career 46.6% three point shooter and one of the best court spacers in the country. The only thing missing is a guy who can create a shot for himself and go get a bucket. Enter Antonio Reeves.
And for a player like Antonio Reeves who has spent three seasons at Illinois State, a transfer to Kentucky could take his game to the next level. Despite playing at an extremely high level, Reeves is overlooked as a professional prospect due to him playing for a non-tournament team in a relatively weak conference. Kentucky would provide Reeves with national attention, the opportunity to be an integral piece of a final four contender, and of course, much increased NIL opportunities in one of the greatest markets in college basketball.
Reeves has already taken an official visit to Kentucky, and since, the Cats have been the early favorites with many even rumoring that he may have already silently committed.
However, Reeves initially set a timeline to commit in early to mid May, and he appears to be sticking to it. Until then, this is certainly a name for the Big Blue Nation to keep an eye on.