NBA Draft analyst has former Kentucky guard 'inching closer' to first round grade

Kentucky's 2023-24 season was highlighted by the play of some of its young freshmen stars, now expected to be top-10 picks in the upcoming NBA Draft.

Whether it was Reed Sheppard or Rob Dillingham or DJ Wagner, it seemed like the freshmen backcourt trio were the most talked about group of players for Kentucky. But, there was one player who led the team in scoring and was one of the most prolific shooters in the country. That was senior guard Antonio Reeves.

Reeves is projected in the mid to late second round in the 2024 NBA Draft by most mock drafts, but one draft analyst has him 'inching closer' to the first round.

"I'm also inching closer to an Antonio Reeves first round grade. Not quite there, but he's a top-40 guy for me," The Athletic senior writer Sam Vecenie wrote on social media. "Awesome shooter that has real counters to what defenses present to him as a scorer. There's just a real role for guys who can shoot like that."

Vecenie's comments were in reponse to Reeves' performance in Tuesday's scrimmage at the NBA Combine. He had 17 points and four assists in 28 minutes.

"Also to be clear, had him top-40 before he dropped 17 in his combine game today," Vecenie added. "He just kind of keeps rising up the board as I go through more and more draft guide profiles."

In addition to Vecenie's remarks regarding Reeves, ESPN Draft Insider Jonathan Givony listed Reeves as one of his standouts as well.

The 6-foot-4 guard averaged 20.2 points and shot 44.7 percent from three on 2.5 made 3s a game last year.

He played 67 games for Kentucky and averaged 17.2 points and shot 42.2 percent from three in his career.

Among the observers was current Kentucky head coach Mark Pope as well.